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Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The lateral collateral ligament is the main supporting structure on the outside of the knee. It provides stability to the joint when the knee is pushed outward. A lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury is usually a mild problem. There are three degrees of ligament injuries. A first-degree injury consists of only mild stretching of the ligament. There is no looseness. A second-degree LCL is a partial tear of the ligament. In a third-degree injury, the ligament is completely ruptured, and the joint is unstable.
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
A force applied to the inside of the knee causes this type of injury. This most often happens while playing sports. An LCL injury can also be caused by overuse of the joint, and by falls in an elderly individual.