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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Ball-and-Socket Joints
    e.g., shoulder, hip
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.

    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.

    1. Overview

    The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a strong, cord-like ligament located on the outer side of the knee joint. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the fibula (the smaller bone of the lower leg) and is essential for maintaining lateral knee stability. The LCL resists varus stress, which occurs when the knee is pushed outward. It is one of the four major ligaments that stabilize the knee, alongside the ACL, PCL, and MCL.

    2. Location

    The LCL is located on the lateral (outer) side of the knee:

    • Superior attachment: Lateral femoral epicondyle (posterior and superior to the popliteus tendon origin).

    • Inferior attachment: Head of the fibula.

    • Runs: Vertically and slightly posteriorly, superficial to the popliteus tendon.

    • Adjacent structures: Lies outside the knee joint capsule and is separated from the lateral meniscus and joint cavity.

    3. Structure

    The LCL is a cord-like, extracapsular ligament with the following structural characteristics:

    • Shape: Narrow and round in cross-section, unlike the flat, broad MCL.

    • Length: Approximately 5–6 cm long in adults.

    • Composition: Dense regular connective tissue primarily composed of collagen type I fibers.

    • Blood supply: Supplied by branches of the lateral inferior genicular artery.

    • Innervation: Provided by the common fibular (peroneal) nerve, which runs nearby and may be at risk in lateral injuries.

    4. Function

    The LCL performs several key mechanical functions:

    • Resists varus stress: Prevents the knee from bowing outward under load.

    • Stabilizes the knee laterally: Works with other ligaments and muscles to maintain joint alignment during movement.

    • Limits excessive external rotation: Particularly important during knee flexion.

    • Supports functional activities: Crucial for walking, running, pivoting, and cutting motions in sports.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Though primarily a mechanical stabilizer, the LCL contributes to several physiological roles:

    • Joint proprioception: Contains mechanoreceptors that provide sensory feedback on knee position and movement.

    • Coordination with neuromuscular control: Works in concert with lateral hamstring and quadriceps muscles to maintain dynamic joint stability.

    • Load distribution: Helps absorb lateral forces and distribute stress across the lateral aspect of the knee.

    6. Clinical Significance

    LCL injuries and dysfunctions can lead to lateral knee instability and other complications:

    • LCL sprain or tear:

      • Caused by a direct blow to the medial side of the knee or excessive varus stress; may be graded I (mild) to III (complete rupture).

      • Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking or pivoting.

    • Posterolateral corner (PLC) injury:

      • The LCL is part of the PLC, which includes the popliteus tendon and arcuate ligament; combined injuries often lead to significant instability and require complex surgical repair.

    • Common fibular nerve injury:

      • Located near the fibular head; LCL injuries may be associated with nerve damage, causing foot drop or paresthesia in the lateral leg.

    • Reconstruction surgery:

      • Complete LCL ruptures, especially when combined with other ligament injuries, often require surgical reconstruction using grafts (autograft or allograft).

    • Rehabilitation:

      • Post-injury recovery involves physical therapy to restore strength, proprioception, and controlled motion; bracing may be used to limit varus stress.

    Did you know? The clavicle is the only bone in the body that connects the arm to the body trunk.