Are the popliteofibular ligament, the arcuate ligament, and the fibular insertion of the popliteus muscle the same structure? An anatomic and terminological study.

Lesions in the lateral region of the knee can result in severe disability due to instability and articular degeneration. The structures in the posterolateral side of the knee function as a unit contributes to rotation and translation limits. Anatomical descriptions of the lateral corner of the knee are incomplete and contradictory. This study aims to verify, through anatomical dissections in cadavers, if the fibular insertion of the popliteus muscle, the arcuate ligament, and the popliteofibular ligament are distinct or the same structure with different terminology and descriptions in the literature. Fifteen cadavers were dissected. Photographs were taken, and in some cases, a video was recorded. Also, the correct terminology for ligament and insertion was searched. The dissections allowed the popliteus muscle to be identified proximally in the lateral femoral condyle, in the fibula head's posterolateral region, and through a meniscocapsular insertion. In none of the anatomy books reviewed, this fibular insertion of the popliteus muscle is mentioned. However, our findings and data from other experimental studies provide evidence of its presence. The aponeurotic portion of the arcuate ligament is distinguished from the short lateral ligament, which is the fibular insertion of the popliteus muscle with its tendinous attachment. Therefore, the term popliteofibular ligament should be abandoned based on the anatomic terminology, and the term "fibular insertion of the popliteus muscle" should be used instead.

An anatomic study of the iliotibial tract.

PURPOSE: To identify the structure of the iliotibial tract at knee level, as well as its insertions, layer arrangement, and relationship with other structures of the lateral region of the knee and to compare the findings with available literature. METHODS: Ten detailed anatomic dissections were performed by using incisions as recommended by the literature in fresh cadaver knees identifying the iliotibial tract components. RESULTS: The authors observed an iliotibial tract arrangement in superficial, deep, and capsular-osseous layers. Insertions have been described as follows: at linea aspera, at the upper border of the lateral epicondyle, at the patella, and at Gerdy's tibial tuberculum and across the capsular-osseous layer. CONCLUSIONS: The iliotibial tract (ITT) has important interconnections to the femur, the patella, and the lateral tibia; the iliopatellar band joins the ITT to the patella through the superficial oblique retinaculum and the lateral femoropatellar ligament, and the ITT capsular-osseous layer presents differentiated fibers in an arched arrangement that borders the femoral condyle and inserts laterally to the Gerdy's tubercle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The iliotibial tract can be considered as an anterolateral knee stabilizer, particularly its capsular-osseous layer, which, together with the anterior cruciate ligament, constitutes a functional unit forming a spatial "horseshoe" form. The detailed description of the structures forming iliotibial tract plays an important role in the study of knee instabilities. Its important tibial, femoral, and patellar connections are described so that better understanding of tibial femoral instability on the lateral side as well as patellofemoral instability can be achieved and mechanisms of repair can be conceived.

Bases anátomo-funcionais da articulação do cotovelo: contribuição ao estudo das estruturas estabilizadoras dos compartimentos medial e lateral / Functional anatomic basis of the elbow joint: contribution to the study of medial and lateral compartments stabilizing structures: review of seven anatomical specimens

Os autores, baseados em revisão crítica da literatura e no estudo das estruturas que compõem a articulação do cotovelo, procuram salientar sua importância na estabilidade estrutural e funcional. Foram estudadas sete peças anatômicas "a fresco", procurando-se evidenciar principalmente as estruturas de suporte ligamentar da articulação do cotovelo. A compreensão dos pormenores anatômicos da articulação é essencial para o diagnóstico preciso das diversas síndromes dolorosas e das instabilidades que ocorrem na prática do esporte e nas atividades da vida diária.

Contribuiçäo ao estudo da técnica da agrafagem nas deformidades angulares do joelho: revisäo de 11 joelhos operados / Contributions to the study of the stapling in angular deformities of the knee: a review of 11 cases

Os autores, baseados na revisao bibliográfica e no estudo de 11 joelhos operados, procuram discutir o tema, evidenciando sua evoluçao histórica e sua importância atual na correçao das deformidades angulares (valgo e varo) do joelho. Detalhes de técnica sao apresentados, procurando enfocar as indicaçoes clínicas e radiográficas pré e pós-operatórias e os resultados obtidos. A agrafagem parece ser procedimento útil, que pode ser realizado em deformidade angulares do joelho, observando-se sempre indicaçoes precisas e detalhes de técnica.

Luxaçäo congênita do joelho: revisäo crítica do tratamento cirúrgico: relato de um caso bilateral / Congenital luxation of the knee: critical review and surgical treatment: report of a bilateral case

Os autores apresentam o estudo crítico de um caso de luxaçao congênita bilateral do joelho. Realizam revisao pormenorizada da bibliografia procurando realçar os aspectos clínicos, radiográficos e o caráter envolutivo da deformidade. O tratamento cirúrgico é discutido nos seus detalhes de técnica, indicaçao e evoluçao. A classificaçao de Finder é adotada no trabalho por ser abrangente na graduaçao das deformidades de hiperextensao do joelho e na indicaçao correta do tratamento. O método cirúrgico empregado no trabalho deverá ser utilizado sempre que os meios conservadores convencionais falharem e nos casos irredutíveis de longa evoluçao sem tratamento prévio.