Alternative Names
LCL injury; Knee injury - lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Definition of Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury:
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament on the outside of the knee.
Considerations:
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) extends from the top, outside surface of the fibula (the bone on the outside of the lower leg) to the bottom, outside surface of the thigh bone. The ligament holds the knee on the outside of the joint.
Causes:
The LCL is usually injured by pressure placed on the knee joint from the inside, which results in stress on the outside of the joint.
