Anatomy of the ligamentous and tendinous structures of the posterolateral corner of the knee: a proposal for there perair

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the posterolateral corner of the knee is required for the proper evaluation of its posterolateral injuries and provides insight into the treatment of the resulting posterolateral instability. To describe the gross anatomy of the ligamentous and tendinous structures of the posterolateral corner of the knee and to provide a proposal for their repair. Cadaveric study included dissection of ten preserved lower limbs. The three critical stabilizers of the posterolateral corner of the knee are the fibular collateral and poplitofibular ligaments and the tendon of popliteus muscle. They resist varus angulation of the knee and posterior translation and external rotation of the tibia. The Fibular collateral ligament is the stabilizer in full extension and the other two structures are responsible for the posterolateral stability in flexion. The lateral intermuscular septum and the iliotibial tract could provide fibrous band suitable for the reconstruction of the three stabilizer of the posterolateral corner of the knee