Bone and Joint Institute
The structure and function of the anterolateral ligament of the knee: A systematic review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2015
Journal
Arthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume
31
Issue
3
First Page
569
Last Page
582.e3
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1016/j.arthro.2014.12.015
Abstract
© 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the anatomic structure and function of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. Methods The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were screened for all studies related to the ALL of the knee. Two reviewers independently reviewed all eligible articles and the references of these articles. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to all searched studies. Quality assessment was completed for the included studies. Results Nineteen studies were identified for final analysis. Pooled analysis identified the ALL in 430 of 449 knees (96%) examined. The ligament was found to originate from the region of the lateral femoral epicondyle and insert on the proximal tibia midway between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head. The ALL was found to be 34.1 to 41.5 mm in length, 5.1 to 8.3 mm in width above the lateral meniscus, and 8.9 to 11.2 mm in width below the lateral meniscus. By use of magnetic resonance imaging, the ALL was identified in 93% of knees examined (clinical, 64 of 70; cadaveric, 16 of 16). In one case study the ligament was clearly visualized by ultrasound examination. Histologic analysis across 3 studies showed characteristics consistent with ligamentous tissue. Though not shown in biomechanical studies, it is hypothesized that the ALL provides anterolateral stability to the knee, preventing anterolateral subluxation of the proximal tibia on the femur. One study identified a network of peripheral nerves, suggesting a proprioceptive function of the ALL. Conclusions This systematic review shows the ALL to be a distinct structure with a consistent origin and insertion sites. The ALL is an extra-articular structure with a clear course from the lateral femoral epicondyle region, running anteroinferiorly, to the proximal tibia at a site midway between the Gerdy tubercle and the head of the fibula. The function of this ligament is theorized to provide anterolateral knee stability. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of cadaveric and imaging studies.
