Corpus: Lateral collateral ligament
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Synonyms: Ligamentum collaterale laterale, lateral collateral ligament of the knee, external collateral ligament
English: , LCL
Definition[Bearbeiten]
The Ligamentum collaterale fibulare or Ligamentum collaterale laterale runs along the outside of the knee and is one of the 4 most important ligaments of the knee joint.
Anatomy[Bearbeiten]
The ligamentum collaterale fibulare is a strong roundish ligament that runs along the lateral side of the knee. Proximally it is attached to the lateral epicondyle of the thigh bone (epicondylus lateralis femoris) - just below the sulcus for the tendon of the popliteus muscle - and distally to the joint head of the fibula (caput fibulae).
Most of its lateral surface is covered by the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle. It is split into two parts by the outer ligament in front of its insertion. Between the tendon and the ligamentum collaterale fibulare lies a bursa, the bursa subtendinea musculi bicipitis femoris inferior.
The collateral fibular ligament is not fused with the lateral meniscus.
Function[Bearbeiten]
The ligamentum collaterale fibulare stabilises the knee joint against forces that are directed laterally (varus stress) and would thus lead to an opening of the lateral joint space and a varus position.