MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Torn lateral collateral ligament

Medical Encyclopedia

Torn lateral collateral ligament

A torn (LCL), is an injury to the lateral collateral ligament, a ligament extending from the top-outside surface of the fibula to the bottom-outside surface of the femur. The ligament prevents the knee joint from side-to-side (lateral) instability.

Update Date: 5/12/2008

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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