Second or third degree lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury

Alternative names:

injury - knee - LCL - second or third degree; injury - lateral collateral ligament - second or third degree; injury - LCL - second or third degree; knee injury - lateral collateral ligament - second or third degree; lateral collateral ligament injury - second or third degree

Symptoms:

• knee pain and tenderness is noted 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 altered 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