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The anatomy of Kaplan fibers

  • Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Kaplan fibers (KF) have been described as connections between the iliotibial band and the distal femur. They are divided into two distinct structures, proximal (PKF) and distal (DKF) fibers, which may participate in the control of the rotatory knee stability. Their anatomical characteristics have not been investigated completely, in particular with respect to reconstruction procedures. The aim was to determine their anatomical characteristics and their morphological variation.

Methods

Twenty-one nonpaired fresh frozen human cadaveric knees (from whole leg) were used for the analysis of PKF and DKF through an anterolateral approach. The anatomical relationships between the adjacent anterolateral structures were reported and anatomical characteristics of PKF and DKF (thickness, width and length) measured at 50° knee flexion under different rotational conditions (neutral: NR, Internal at 5Nm: IR applied with a dynamometric torque rig). Bony ridges of PKF and DKF were measured.

Results

PKF and DKF and their respective bony ridges were individually identified in all knees studied (n = 21). The PKF and DKF were proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle, respective distances 49.20 ± 7.38 and 27.54 ± 7.69 mm. DKF were thicker (p < 0.001), wider (p < 0.001) and longer (p < 0.001) than the PKF, regardless of the tibial rotation applied. Tensioning of KF was achieved in IR with a decrease in thickness and width, alongside fiber lengthening (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

PKF and DKF are distinct and constant anatomical structures of the lateral compartment of the knee, whose anatomical characteristics and their tensioning in IR presume a function of controlling rotational knee stability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Centre of Saint-Etienne, Hôpital Nord, 42055, Saint-Étienne Cedex 2, France

    Gary Sayac, Florian Bergandi, Frederic Farizon, Remi Philippot & Thomas Neri

  2. IFMK Saint Michel, Saint-Étienne Cedex 2, France

    Alexandre Goimard

  3. North Shore Hospital, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand

    Antonio Klasan

  4. Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Bristol, UK

    Sven Putnis

  5. EA 7424 - Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Science, University Lyon - University Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, Saint-Étienne Cedex 2, France

    Remi Philippot & Thomas Neri

Authors
  1. Gary Sayac
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  8. Thomas Neri
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Contributions

GS conducted dissections, writing and revising of the manuscript. AG dissections and revising of the manuscript. AK writing and revising of the manuscript. SP writing and revising of the manuscript. FB dissections and revising of the manuscript. FF writing and revising of the manuscript. RP writing and revising of the manuscript.TN leading the project, dissections, writing and revising of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Gary Sayac.

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This study did not need IRB approval due to the use of cadaveric specimen.

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Sayac, G., Goimard, A., Klasan, A. et al. The anatomy of Kaplan fibers. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 141, 447–454 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03718-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03718-7

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