Knee A to Z

The word 'lateral' is a position word, indicating the outer aspect of something.

The lateral collateral ligament supports the knee joint on its outer aspect, ie the lateral side.

The lateral compartment is that part of the knee where the femur articulates with the tibia  - but referring only to the outer or lateral side.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is a nerve that supplies sensation to the side and back of the thigh.

The lateral meniscus is the crescentic wedge-shaped structure seated on the top of the tibia (shinbone) on the lateral (outer) side of the knee joint. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

The lateral meniscus is normally less stable anyway than the medial meniscus, but sometimes it may be really abnormally mobile.

A lateral release is a surgical procedure to release tight capsular structures (lateral retinaculum) on the outer aspect of the knee. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Lateral retinacular lengthening is a procedure to improve patellar alignment. This is done by cutting and sliding the superficial layer of retinaculum over the deep layer to allow a controlled release of tension. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

The lateral retinaculum is the name given to the sheet of fibrous tissue that provide a passive restraint to the patella on the outer (lateral) side of the knee.

Lateral tenodesis is the reinforcement of the stability of a cruciate-deficient knee by adding a strap-like graft at the side.