Anterolateral ligament of the knee-Cadaver study in a Caucasian population. / [Artículo traducido] Ligamento anterolateral de la rodilla. Estudio en cadáver en una población caucásica.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite the recognized importance of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) in rotational stability of the knee, some studies still deny its role and even its existence. We studied the prevalence of the ALL in a Caucasian population, as well as its characteristics and anatomical relationships. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 20 knees from 10 embalmed cadavers. A lateral approach, as described by Steven Claes, was used and the relations of the ALL with the lateral epicondyle, lateral inferior genicular artery, lateral meniscus, Gerdy's tubercle and fibular head were recorded. Its length and its width were also measured. RESULTS: The ALL was identified in 16 knees. Its origin was at a distance inferior to 1mm posterior and proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle and insertion within a mean distance of 2.1±0.6mm from the tibial articular surface, 20.6±1.3mm from the Gerdy's tubercle and 20.3±1.2mm from the fibular head. In all cases ALL presented mutual fibers with the lateral meniscus. The length was 35.8±4.6mm and the width was 4.2±1.3/4.9±1.0/6.5±1.5mm at its proximal, middle and distal third, respectively. No difference was found between gender and the dimensions of the ligament. CONCLUSIONS: The ALL was found in 80% of the knees. Its origin is closely related to the lateral collateral ligament and its insertion is halfway between the fibular head and the Gerdy's tubercle. In all cases, we verified the connection between ALL and the lateral meniscus.