Fibular collateral ligament

The fibular collateral ligament of the knee (external lateral ligament; long external lateral ligament) is a strong, rounded, fibrous cord, attached, above, to the back part of the lateral condyle of the femur, immediately above the groove for the tendon of the Popliteus; below, to the lateral side of the head of the fibula, in front of the styloid process.

The greater part of its lateral surface is covered by the tendon of the Biceps femoris; the tendon, however, divides at its insertion into two parts, which are separated by the ligament. Deep to the ligament are the tendon of the Popliteus, and the inferior lateral genicular vessels and nerve. The ligament has no attachment to the lateral meniscus.

An inconstant bundle of fibers, the short fibular collateral ligament, is placed behind and parallel with the preceding, attached, above, to the lower and back part of the lateral condyle of the femur; below, to the summit of the styloid process of the fibula. Passing deep to it are the tendon of the Popliteus, and the inferior lateral genicular vessels and nerve.