Scholarlink

Purpose <p>The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee joint is composed of a complex arrangement of static and dynamic stabilizing structures, crucial for maintaining varus and external rotation stability. Among these, the arcuate popliteal ligament (APL) and the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) are key components. Although their individual anatomy is well described and partial fusion between these ligaments has been reported previously, a direct fusion at the popliteus musculotendinous junction has not been specifically detailed. This study reports a direct fusion between the APL and a tripartite variant of the PFL.</p> Methods <p>Routine anatomical dissection was performed on the right lower limb of a 79-year-old male cadaver. Posterior and posterolateral approaches were used to expose the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues. A detailed morphological assessment was conducted to examine the course and topographic relationships of the APL and PFL.</p> Results <p>A direct anatomical fusion between the APL and the PFL was identified at the popliteus musculotendinous junction. The PFL consisted of three distinct bundles.</p> Conclusion <p>A direct anatomical fusion between the APL and a tripartite PFL was identified in a single embalmed right knee. This observation may assist radiological recognition and operative orientation; functional effects and management implications cannot be determined from this case and require confirmation in larger anatomical, imaging, and biomechanical studies.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Anatomical fusion of the arcuate popliteal and popliteofibular ligaments: a rare variant with implications for knee stabilization—a case report

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月3日

查看全文
  • Łukasz Olewnik,
  • Ingrid C. Landfald,
  • Nicol Zielinska,
  • George Triantafyllou,
  • Robert F. LaPrade

摘要

Purpose

The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee joint is composed of a complex arrangement of static and dynamic stabilizing structures, crucial for maintaining varus and external rotation stability. Among these, the arcuate popliteal ligament (APL) and the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) are key components. Although their individual anatomy is well described and partial fusion between these ligaments has been reported previously, a direct fusion at the popliteus musculotendinous junction has not been specifically detailed. This study reports a direct fusion between the APL and a tripartite variant of the PFL.

Methods

Routine anatomical dissection was performed on the right lower limb of a 79-year-old male cadaver. Posterior and posterolateral approaches were used to expose the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues. A detailed morphological assessment was conducted to examine the course and topographic relationships of the APL and PFL.

Results

A direct anatomical fusion between the APL and the PFL was identified at the popliteus musculotendinous junction. The PFL consisted of three distinct bundles.

Conclusion

A direct anatomical fusion between the APL and a tripartite PFL was identified in a single embalmed right knee. This observation may assist radiological recognition and operative orientation; functional effects and management implications cannot be determined from this case and require confirmation in larger anatomical, imaging, and biomechanical studies.