title: Anatomical Characteristics and Biomechanical Properties of the Oblique Popliteal Ligament.
abstract: This anatomical study sought to investigate the morphological characteristics and biomechanical properties of the oblique popliteal ligament (OPL). Embalmed cadaveric knees were used for the study. The OPL and its surrounding structures were dissected; its morphology was carefully observed, analyzed and measured; its biomechanical properties were investigated. The origins and insertions of the OPL were relatively similar, but its overall shape was variable. The OPL had two origins: one originated from the posterior surface of the posteromedial tibia condyle, merged with fibers from the semimembranosus tendon, the other originated from the posteromedial part of the capsule. The two origins converged and coursed superolaterally, then attached to the fabella or to the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and blended with the posterolateral joint capsule. The OPL was classified into Band-shaped, Y-shaped, Z-shaped, Trident-shaped, and Complex-shaped configurations. The mean length, width, and thickness of the OPL were 39.54, 22.59, and 1.44 mm, respectively. When an external rotation torque (18 N·m) was applied both before and after the OPL was sectioned, external rotation increased by 8.4° (P = 0.0043) on average. The OPL was found to have a significant role in preventing excessive external rotation and hyperextension of the knee.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.|The First College of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
authors.forename: Xiang-Dong
authors.initials: XD
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: The First College of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.|Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Jin-Hui
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: The First College of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.|Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.affiliation: The First College of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.|Department of Obstetrics &Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: The Steadman Clinic, Vail, Colorado 81657, USA.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: LaPrade
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.|Human Gross Morphology Lab, National Class Preclinical Medicine Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Shan-Quan
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Sun