Event Title
Variation of the lateral ligaments of the knee: A case study
Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
14-5-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
14-5-2019 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction: The typical anterolateral collateral ligament (ALL) of the knee has been described as originating from the lateral femoral condyle and inserting on the tibia between the fibular head and Gerdy’s tubercle. The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) originates on the lateral femoral condyle and inserts onto the fibular head, and has been described as single banded, bifurcated, or trifurcated. It has been suggested that the ALL is a primary stabilizer for tibial internal rotation while the knee is flexed and assists with the stabilizing components of the anterior cruciate ligament. The current case report explores the anatomic variation of a bifurcated FCL combined with the presence of an ALL. Recent studies have focused mainly on the variation of attachment points of the ALL and the FCL of the knee, but the arrangement seen in the present study has not previously been described in the literature.
Methods: Dissections were performed on 18 cadaveric knees using standard dissection techniques. Description: Presence of an ALL was noted on 6 knees. Five knees presented with unilateral ALLs, one knee presented with a simultaneous bifurcated ALL and bifurcated FCL. The bifurcated FCL inserted just anterior to the fibular head and the ALL inserted on the tibia between the fibular head and Gerdy’s tubercle.
Significance: The variability of the origins and insertions of the ALL and FCL throughout the 7 knees examined in the present study support past research. However, the findings of the ALL, accompanied by a bifurcated FCL is an anatomic anomaly that has not been previously described. Knowledge of knee anatomic variations must be considered when discussing injury and prevention. More research is needed to clarify the frequency of a bifurcated FCL accompanied with an ALL and the ramifications of this variation with respect to knee injury frequency and mechanics.
Embargo Period
1-28-2020
Variation of the lateral ligaments of the knee: A case study
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: The typical anterolateral collateral ligament (ALL) of the knee has been described as originating from the lateral femoral condyle and inserting on the tibia between the fibular head and Gerdy’s tubercle. The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) originates on the lateral femoral condyle and inserts onto the fibular head, and has been described as single banded, bifurcated, or trifurcated. It has been suggested that the ALL is a primary stabilizer for tibial internal rotation while the knee is flexed and assists with the stabilizing components of the anterior cruciate ligament. The current case report explores the anatomic variation of a bifurcated FCL combined with the presence of an ALL. Recent studies have focused mainly on the variation of attachment points of the ALL and the FCL of the knee, but the arrangement seen in the present study has not previously been described in the literature.
Methods: Dissections were performed on 18 cadaveric knees using standard dissection techniques. Description: Presence of an ALL was noted on 6 knees. Five knees presented with unilateral ALLs, one knee presented with a simultaneous bifurcated ALL and bifurcated FCL. The bifurcated FCL inserted just anterior to the fibular head and the ALL inserted on the tibia between the fibular head and Gerdy’s tubercle.
Significance: The variability of the origins and insertions of the ALL and FCL throughout the 7 knees examined in the present study support past research. However, the findings of the ALL, accompanied by a bifurcated FCL is an anatomic anomaly that has not been previously described. Knowledge of knee anatomic variations must be considered when discussing injury and prevention. More research is needed to clarify the frequency of a bifurcated FCL accompanied with an ALL and the ramifications of this variation with respect to knee injury frequency and mechanics.