Mnemonic

Collateral Ligaments of the Knee

A memory aid for the collateral ligaments and the forces they resist.

Expansion

The medial collateral ligament resists valgus force; the lateral collateral ligament resists varus force

Expansion

  • Medial (tibial) collateral ligament - a flat band attached to the medial meniscus; resists valgus (knock-knee) force
  • Lateral (fibular) collateral ligament - a rounded cord not attached to the lateral meniscus; resists varus (bow-leg) force

Test each by applying the opposite stress with the knee slightly flexed and feeling for laxity.