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The anterolateral ligament of the human knee: an anatomic and histologic study

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The functional anatomy of the knee is frequently studied but remains incompletely understood. Numerous authors have described a structure in the lateral knee connecting the lateral femoral condyle with the lateral meniscus and tibial plateau. The goal of this study is to define the incidence, anatomy, and histology of this structure, the anterolateral ligament.

Methods

The incidence of the ligament was determined in 30 consecutive patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for medial compartment osteoarthritis. The anatomy and histology were evaluated using 10 cadaveric knees.

Results

The anterolateral ligament was noted to be present in all 40 knees. In all cases, it was noted to take origin near or on the popliteus tendon insertion and insert into the lateral meniscus and tibial plateau 5 mm distal to the articular surface and posterior to Gerdy’s Tubercle. The average width of the relatively flat structure was 8.2 ± 1.5 mm, and the average length was 34.1 ± 3.4 mm. Histologic analysis revealed a discreet structure with a fibrous core surrounded by synovium. Fibers blended with the popliteus at its origin and with the lateral meniscus as it passed distally.

Conclusions

The anterolateral ligament may play a role in preventing anterior tibial translation. The role, if any, of this structure in meniscal stability and the pathology of meniscal tears remain unclear.

Level of evidence

Not applicable—Descriptive Anatomic Study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brest, Brest, France

    Jean-Philippe Vincent & Arnaud Uguen

  2. Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France

    Robert A. Magnussen, Ferittu Gezmez, Matthias Jacobi, Florent Weppe, Ma’ad F. Al-Saati, Sébastien Lustig, Guillaume Demey, Elvire Servien & Philippe Neyret

Authors
  1. Jean-Philippe Vincent
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  2. Robert A. Magnussen
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  3. Ferittu Gezmez
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  4. Arnaud Uguen
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  5. Matthias Jacobi
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  6. Florent Weppe
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  7. Ma’ad F. Al-Saati
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  8. Sébastien Lustig
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  9. Guillaume Demey
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  10. Elvire Servien
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  11. Philippe Neyret
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Philippe Neyret.

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Vincent, JP., Magnussen, R.A., Gezmez, F. et al. The anterolateral ligament of the human knee: an anatomic and histologic study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 20, 147–152 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1580-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1580-3

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