Purpose: The posterolateral corner (PLC) has been described by several authors, but there
are still controversies. We assumed that a microanatomic dissection of this region
could answer some of the questions about its complex anatomy. We therefore conducted
an anatomic study using microsurgical techniques, aiming at a precise anatomic description
of all the structures that form the posterolateral complex. Type of Study: Cadaveric study. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen human adult cadaveric knees were used for the study. Dissection
of the knees was performed using microsurgical instruments, magnifying loupes, and
an operative microscope. Anatomic variations, ligament shape, separated bundles of
the ligaments, and topography of ligament attachments were described and recorded.
Results: The rate of the presence of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL), the fabellofibular
ligament, and the arcuate ligament were 100%, 40%, and 70%, respectively. The connective
attachments of the popliteus muscle to the other posterolateral structures are the
PFL and the 2 popliteomeniscal fascicles. Our dissections show that the shape and
the fibula attachment of the PFL can vary. Using the surgical microscope, we were
able to dissect and identify 2 different fiber groups of the popliteus tendon at its
attachment to the lateral femoral condyle. Also, we were able to confirm in 20% of
our knees an anatomic variation of the lateral collateral ligament. Conclusions: Our study may answer some of the questions about the complex anatomy of the PLC.
The PFL is well established, always recognizable, and significant in size. Clinical Relevance: Being aware of the complex anatomy of the posterolateral corner and its variations
may prove useful in repair and reconstruction.
Key Words
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© 2005 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
