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Ligament Knee

Lateral Capsular Ligament Knee

capsula articularis genus lateralis

The lateral knee capsular ligament is the fibrous thickening of the lateral joint capsule between the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral tibial plateau, providing the primary lateral capsular constraint.

Region: Knee
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Provides lateral knee capsular stability, contributes to the posterolateral corner through the mid-third lateral capsular ligament, and resists varus stress together with the FCL.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The lateral capsular ligament is the structure producing the lateral capsular sign on plain radiograph in ACL injuries — the Segond fracture (avulsion of the lateral capsular ligament from the proximal tibia) is pathognomonic for ACL injury, indicating both ACL and anterolateral ligament complex disruption.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Segond Fracture — Lateral Capsular Ligament Avulsion

Lateral tibial rim avulsion fracture of the lateral capsular ligament on plain X-ray in ACL injury, indicating combined ACL and anterolateral complex disruption requiring surgical assessment.

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