Lateral Collateral Ligament of the Knee

Description[edit | edit source]

The fibular or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a cord-like band and acts as the primary varus stabilizer of the knee.[1] It is one of 4 critical ligaments involved in stabilizing the knee joint.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

lateral collateral ligament

Origin: Lateral epicondyle of the femur

Insertion: Fibula head

[2][3]

At the proximal level this ligament is closely related to the joint capsule, without having direct contact, as it is separated by fat pad, The insertion is augmented by the iliotibial band.[4] The popliteus tendon is deep to the LCL, seperating it from the lateral meniscus.[5] The LCL further splits the biceps femoris into two parts.[5]

Function[edit | edit source]

The LCL stabilizes the lateral side of the knee joint, mainly in varus stress and posterolateral rotation of the tibia relative to the femur. The LCL acts as a secondary stabilizer to anterior and posterior tibial translation when the cruciate ligaments are torn. [1] 

It is primary restraint to varus rotation from 0-30° of knee flexion. As the knee goes into flexion, the LCL loses its significance and influence as a varus-stabilizing structure.[6] When the knee is extended, the LCL is stretched.

Clinical relevance[edit | edit source]

The incidence of LCL injuries are relatively low (6%) when compared to other knee injuries.[7] It is commonly associated with other knee ligament injuries, thus LCL tear can be easily overlooked as a result of that.[8]

Mechanism of injury: (for more information, see the page on LCL injuries)[4]

  • A direct blow to the anteromedial knee and posterolateral corner
  • Non-contact hyperextension
  • Non-contact varus stress[4]

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Palpation[edit | edit source]

Patient position: Legs crossed with ankle resting on opposite knee (90° knee flexion, hip abduction and external rotation)

In this position the iliotibial band relaxes and makes the LCL easier to isolate. The ligament lies laterally and posteriorly along the joint line. Ocassionally, the LCL is congenitally absent. [9] When LCL is injured or torn, this cordlike band is not as noticeable as on the unaffected side.

Special tests[edit | edit source]

Adduction (varus) stress test

Purpose: The varus stress test shows a lateral joint line gap.

Performance: A varus stress test is performed by stabilizing the femur and palpating the lateral joint line. The other hand provides a varus stress to the ankle. The test is performed at 0° and 20-30°, so the knee joint is in the closed packed position. The physiotherapist stabilize the knee with one hand, while the other hand adducts the ankle.[10]

Interpretation: If the knee joint adducts greater than normal (compared to the unaffected leg), the test is positive. This an indication of a LCL tear.

Other structures involved:[10]

  • 0°: Posteriolateral capsule, arcuate-popliteus complex, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, lateral gastrocnemius
  • 20-30°: Posteriolateral capsule, arcuate-popliteus complex, iliotibial band, biceps femoris tendon

Reliability and validity:

  • Sensitivity: 25%. Specificity: not reported. Varus stress testing was performed in 20° of flexion, and testing in extension was not done.[11]
  • Sensitivity: 25% . The reliability of this test in extension is 68% and in 30° flexion only 56%. The test is fairly solid.[12]
  • If the varus stress test is positive at 20°, but negative at 0°, only the LCL is torn. A positive result at both 0° and 20° indicate cruciate ligament involvement.[13]

Varus stress test video provided by Clinically Relevant

Additional tests for detecting LCL injury with other knee ligaments:[6]

  • External Rotation-Recurvatum Test
  • Reverse Pivot Shift Sign of Jakob, Hassler, and Stäubli
  • Dial Test

Resources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 LaPrade, R. F., Macalena, J. A. Fibular collateral ligament and the posterolateral corner. Insall & Scott Surgery of the Knee. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone, 2012; 45: 592-607.
  2. Schünke M, Schulte E, Schumacher U. Prometheus deel 1: Algemene anatomie en bewegingsapparaat. Houten: Bohn Stafleu Van Loghum, 2005.
  3. Whiting WC, Zernicke RF. Biomechanics of musculoskeletal injury. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, 2008.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Malagelada F, Vega J, Golano P, Beynnon B, Ertem F. Knee Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Knee. In: DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 4th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinial oriented anatomy. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2010.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Miller RH, Azar FM. Knee injuries. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2016; 2121-2297.
  7. Tandeter HB., Shvartzman, P. Acute knee injuries: use of decision rules for selective radiograph ordering. Am Fam Physician 1999; 60(9): 2599-2608.
  8. Kane PW et al. Increased Accuracy of Varus Stress Radiographs Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Fibular Collateral Ligament Grade III Tears. Arthroscopy, 2018.
  9. Hoppenfeld S, Hutton R, Hugh T. Physical examination of the spine and extremities. 1st ed. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1976.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Petty NJ. Neuromusculoskeletal examination assessment: A handbook for therapists. 3rd edition. Edinburgh: Elsevier, 2006.
  11. Malanga GA, Andrus S, Nadler SF, McLean J. Physical examination of the knee: a review of the original test description and scientific validity of common orthopedic tests. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2003; 84(4): 592-603.
  12. Merriman L, Turner W. Assessment of the Lower Limb. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
  13. Walters J, editor. Orthopaedics - A guide for practitioners. 4th Edition. Cape Town: University of Cape Town, 2010.