LCL Tears (Subscribe)  

The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee are 2 distinct entities, are injured by different mechanisms, and often generate different algorithms for treatment. Treatment of these structures, when the injury is isolated, often is conservative and involves brief protection and functional rehabilitation. In lateral-sided injuries, other structures, such...

- lateral collateral ligament is primary restraint to varus angulation;
- LCL also acts to resist Internal Rotation forces;
- cutting of LCL in combination w/ either anterior or PCL results in large increase in varus opening;
Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries of the knee are common. The MCL and LCL provide restraint to valgus and varus angulation of the knee respectively. The MCL has both superficial and deep components. The superficial MCL fibers attach to the medial femoral epicondyle proximally and...