How to Diagnose a Torn Lateral Collateral Ligament
The lateral collateral ligament, LCL, attaches the femur (thigh bone) to the fibula, one of the two lower leg bones. It runs on the outside of the knee and is commonly damaged when pressure supplied to the inside of the knee forces it outward and places stress on the lateral collateral ligament. This can occur from a fall or from direct trauma, such as in contact sports. Formal diagnosis of an LCL tear will require a doctor's visit.
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Instructions
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Check the knee for stability. In LCL tears, there may be a loss of stability in the joint leading to looseness. This looseness can lead to difficulty walking and a feeling that the knee may buckle.
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Evaluate the location of the pain. Pain within the kneecap area or on the inside of the knee indicates injury to either the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments or the medial collateral ligament, respectively. If the pain is along the outside of the knee, it's likely that the lateral collateral ligament has been injured.
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Check for swelling. Knee swelling is usually an indication of injury. Whether the LCL is torn or just stretched, swelling would be present.
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Make a doctor's appointment. At this point, if stability, pain, and swelling all indicate knee damage, it is time to contact your doctor. Fortunately, according to the Mayo Clinic, most knee injuries respond well to home care measures.
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Take any tests your doctor orders. This can include an x-ray, MRI or a lateral collateral ligament test. The LCL test can determine if there is looseness in the ligament, and if an MRI or x-ray would be necessary. Serious tears or ruptures of the ligament may require surgery.
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