title: The anterolateral ligament of the human knee: an anatomic and histologic study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable-Descriptive Anatomic Study.
authors: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brest, Brest, France.
authors: Jean-Philippe
authors: JP
authors: Vincent
authors: Robert A
authors: RA
authors: Magnussen
authors: Ferittu
authors: F
authors: Gezmez
authors: Arnaud
authors: A
authors: Uguen
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Jacobi
authors: Florent
authors: F
authors: Weppe
authors: Ma'ad F
authors: MF
authors: Al-Saati
authors: Sébastien
authors: S
authors: Lustig
authors: Guillaume
authors: G
authors: Demey
authors: Elvire
authors: E
authors: Servien
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Neyret
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013977:Tibia / Q000033:anatomy & histology