I have a query about ligament palpation, especially lateral and medial collateral ligament, is there any particular way we can palpate it? I’ve read somewhere, in order to palpate lateral collateral ligament, the involved foot should be put on uninvolved knee in sitting position, in this position the knee is 90′ of flex and HIP ER. Is that correct? If yes, what should be for MCL?

Ligaments are found around joints and connect bone to bone. They are high in elastin and collagen content and are somewhat pliant. Joint tissue is very similar to ligamentous tissue. To distinguish ligaments from tendons, place the joint in a neutral position and ask the patient to isometrically contract the muscle. The tendon will move over the underlying tissues, but the ligament will not.

Ligaments are best palpated by placing the referenced joint in a slight stretch (as opposed to tendons where the patient contracts against resistance). The position you have highlighted for the palpation of the LCL (or fibular collateral ligament) places the LCL on stretch so it is an appropriate palpation position.

The MCL is critical to side-to-side stability of the knee. Any position that places the knee in valgus, stretches the MCL and would be an appropriate palpation position. This should be done with care in injured patients as the most common symptom following a MCL injury is pain directly over the medial aspect of the knee.

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