Basic Anatomy And Biomechanics Of The Anterolateral Ligament

Objective:To explore the anatomical features of the anterolateral ligament(ALL)in a Chinese population,and to provide anatomic basis for the diagnosis and treatment of anterolateral ligament injury.Methods:A total of 19 adult knee joint specimens were specially selected by the Department of Anatomy of Shanxi Medical University,Knee joint tissue intact without damage,no deformity and history of surgical trauma,11 males and 8 females,including 9 left knee joints and 10 right knee joints.The anterior aspect of the knee joint was used as an operation center to find and observe the anatomical features of ALL,such as the starting and stopping point and traveling,etc.To take photos and data measurement of the ALL,and the anterolateral ligament was qualitatively and quantitatively determined.Results:In 19 cases of knee joint specimens,17 cases of anterolateral ligament specimens were found,with an incidence rate of 89.5%.The lengths of ALL in the neutral 0 °position and the flexion 60°with the internal rotation 5° position was(34.72±6.35)mm,(39.53 ± 6.80)mm.The widths of ALL at the femoral attachment 、 the tibial attachment and joint line was(7.75 ± 0.81)mm,(9.41 ± 1.19)mm,and(6.79 ±1.01)mm.The ALL as a whole was in the wide flat shape from the posterior superior to the anterior lateral edge of the knee joint,the thickness at the joint line was(1.21±0.20)mm.The tibial attachment was located above the midpoint of Gerdy’s tubercle and the fibular head,the vertical distance to the tibial cartilage margin was(11.62 ±1.32)mm.The distance from the tibial attachment to the Gerdy’s tubercle and the fibular head was(19.95±4.63)mm,(19.47±3.65)mm.The distance from the Gerdy’s tubercle to the fibular head was(33.82 ± 4.69)mm.Conclusion:ALL is an independent non-equal length ligament structure located outside the anterior and posterior joint capsule of the knee joint.It starts from the posterior superior part of the lateral epicondyle and travels forward and downward.It is connected with the lateral meniscus body and ends above the midpoint of Gerdy’s tubercle and the fibular head,it plays a certain role in maintaining the rotational stability of the knee joint.