The lateral knee capsular ligament (mid-third lateral capsular ligament) is the fibrous thickening of the lateral joint capsule between the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral tibial plateau. Its meniscotibial portion tethers the lateral meniscus periphery to the tibial rim. With the anterolateral ligament it forms part of the anterolateral complex of the knee.
| Origin | Lateral femoral condyle near the lateral epicondyle |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lateral tibial plateau just below the articular margin, between Gerdy's tubercle and the fibular head |
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.
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 capsule from the proximal tibia) is pathognomonic for ACL injury, indicating both ACL and anterolateral complex disruption. Combined injury of the mid-third lateral capsule and anterolateral ligament produces pronounced anterolateral rotatory instability and a high-grade pivot shift.
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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