Anatomical and Histological Study of Anterolateral Ligament of Knee / 中国运动医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the anatomical and histological features of anterolateral ligament (ALL)in the knee of Chinese adults,so as to identify the existence of ALL and provide an anatomical foundation for clinical reconstruction.Methods Ten adult knee specimens were randomly selected to be dissected,and the femoral,tibial and meniscus attachment points of the ALL were observed.The length,width and thickness were measured using the vernier caliper after the dissection.Three specimens were subjected to histological staining in the end.Results (1)ALL originated from the lateral femoral condyle—the same point of the lateral collateral ligament femoral side or the distal-anterior side,with its body divided into two branches,located in the tibia and the lateral meniscus respectively.The starting point of tibial side ALL was located at the mid-point of Gerdy's tubercle to fibula head,below tibial cartilage edge,with the meniscus point located in the lateral meniscus anterior horn and body junction area.(2) The average length of ALL is 38.89 ± 4.67 mm.The width in the femur,tibial attachment point was fan-shaped spread connected with sclerotin,being the narrowest at the joint line.The width at the femur,tibial attachment point and the joint line was 8.49 ± 1.36 mm,8.15 ± 1.38 mm and 6.49 ± 1.09 mm respectively,with the thickness of 1.33 ± 0.38 mm.The distance from tibia attachment points to the Gerdy's tubercle,fibular head and tibia cartilage margin was 22.59 ± 3.04 mm,21.15 ± 2.78 mm and 5.76 ± 0.57 mm respectively.(3) HE staining showed that ALL was dense connective tissue consisting of parallel arranged collagen fibers,while S-100 staining indicated that ALL contained sensory motor nerve fibers.Conclusion ALL is independent of the joint capsule and originates from the femoral lateral condyle.Its body is divided into two branches,located in the tibia and the lateral meniscus respectively.