The Anterolateral Ligament Does Exist: An Anatomic Description

Clin Sports Med. 2018 Jan;37(1):9-19. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2017.07.002. Epub 2017 Sep 19.

Abstract

The debate around the existence, anatomy, and role of the so-called anterolateral ligament of the knee represents one of the main sources of recent controversy among orthopedic surgeons. In the modern era of sports medicine, several content experts have contributed to the understanding of the anatomy of the anterolateral aspect of the knee. This article analyzes the historical, phylogenetic, anatomic, arthroscopic, and radiological evidence regarding the anterolateral ligament. The existence of the anterolateral ligament as a distinct ligamentous structure and its exact anatomic features are still matters of controversy and ongoing study.

Keywords: ACL; ALL; Anterior cruciate ligament; Anterolateral capsule; Anterolateral ligament; Knee anatomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy
  • Cadaver
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / anatomy & histology*
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments, Articular / anatomy & histology*
  • Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Phylogeny
  • Ultrasonography