First degree lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury

Alternative names:

injury - knee - LCL - first degree; injury - lateral collateral ligament - first degree; injury - LCL - first degree; knee injury - lateral collateral ligament - first degree; lateral collateral ligament injury - first degree

Symptoms:

• knee pain or tenderness along the outside (lateral) aspect of the kneecap
• knee swelling may be present

Signs and tests:

A physical examination with a lateral collateral ligament test (varus stress at 25 degrees of flexion) results in unchanged knee joint tightness. This involves bending the knee to 25 degrees and placing pressure on the inside surface of the knee.

Other tests may include:

• a knee MRI
• a knee joint X-ray