文摘
At the knee joint the central ligaments with the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are differentiated from the peripheral ligamentous structures (medial and lateral). Among the peripheral ligaments three different layers can be identified: the fascia and iliotibial tract (layer 1), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteal tendon and superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL, layer 2) and capsular ligaments (layer 3). Most authors divide the posteromedial structures into the sMCL and the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), the posterior oblique ligament (POL) and the posteromedial joint capsule (PMC). The anteromedial capsule consists of the meniscofemoral ligament, the medial longitudinal retinaculum of the patella and the meniscopatellar ligament. The connection between the medial meniscus and the tibia is known as the coronary ligament. Laterally, the LCL inserts at the lateral epicondyle of the femur and runs obliquely posterodistal to the side and front surfaces of the fibular head. The main structures of the posterolateral corner are the popliteal tendon and the popliteofibular ligament (LPF), which radiates from the fibular head into the popliteal tendon. The anterolateral structures consist of the anterolateral joint capsule with the meniscopatellar fibers, the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and the iliotibial tract. The peripheral ligaments are the primary stabilizers against valgus and varus strain and against internal or external rotation; however, its structures are also important secondary stabilizers against anterior and posterior tibial translation.