Blog #11: The Lateral Collateral Ligament by Chris Schattinger, MS, CSCS, CISSN

As the term lateral would imply the lateral collateral ligament is located on the outside of the knee. This ligament, unlike the others we have previously discussed, connects the femur to the fibula not the tibia.

 

The primary role of the lateral collateral ligament is to prevent excessive outward movement of the knee. Typically, this ligament is injured via external force, so imagine a linebacker hitting a running back’s knee from the side.

 

Like the PCL, not all cases of LCL injury require surgery. In some cases, rest, a brace and rehab are satisfactory. Surgery does become a viable option when a Grade 3 tear occurs, meaning that the ligament is completely torn.

 

Let us know if you enjoyed this blog by giving us a like and leaving a comment! We will be discussing the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in our next blog.