Anatomy of the anterolateral ligament of the knee

• DOI: 10.1111/joa.12087
• Publication Date: 2013-08-01T10:50:07Z
• Authors: Steven Claes; Evie Vereecke; Michael Maes; Jan Victor; Peter Verdonk; Johan Bellemans
• Keywords: Anterolateral ligament; Cadaveric spasm

In 1879, the French surgeon Segond described existence of a 'pearly, resistant, fibrous band' at anterolateral aspect human knee, attached to eponymous fracture. To date, enigma surrounding this anatomical structure is reflected in confusing names such as '(mid-third) lateral capsular ligament', 'capsulo-osseous layer iliotibial or 'anterolateral and no clear description has yet been provided. study, presence characteristics Segond's 'pearly band', hereafter termed ligament (ALL), was investigated 41 unpaired, cadaveric knees. The femoral tibial attachment ALL, its course relationship with nearby structures were studied both qualitatively quantitatively. all but one knees (97%), ALL found well-defined ligamentous structure, clearly distinguishable from joint capsule. origin situated prominence epicondyle, slightly anterior collateral ligament, although connecting fibers between two observed. showed an oblique proximal tibia, firm attachments meniscus, thus enveloping inferior geniculate artery vein. Its insertion on tibia grossly located midway Gerdy's tubercle tip fibular head, definitely separate band (ITB). be distinct knee consistent site features. By providing detailed characterization study clarifies long-standing femur tibia. Given anatomic location, hypothesized control internal rotation affect pivot shift phenomenon, further studies are needed investigate biomechanical function.