Abstract
In the published literature as well as in the most commonly used textbooks, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is described as having 1 attachment at the lateral epicondyle of the femur and another at the head of the fibula. In this article, we reconsider the attachments, the length of the LCL, and the tissues surrounding the LCL by presenting our anatomical observations and by reviewing the literature. Our results have shown that the LCL is not only attached to the lower part of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, but also extends to the upper part of the lateral epicondyle. The attachment of the LCL on the fibula is enclosed by 2 insertion points of the biceps femoris tendon. The average length of the LCL in 71 knees was 51.4 mm. There is an “incomplete gap” on the LCL that is interrupted under the tendon of the biceps femoris.
Highlights
Our results have shown that the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is attached to the lower part of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, and extends to the upper part of the lateral epicondyle
Varus instability has been reported as causing injuries of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) [1,2,3,4,5]; reconstruction of the injured LCL by semitendinosus grafting has been reported [6,7]
Our findings show that the LCL is attached to the lower part of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, and extends to the upper part of the lateral epicondyle
Summary
Varus instability has been reported as causing injuries of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) [1,2,3,4,5]; reconstruction of the injured LCL by semitendinosus grafting has been reported [6,7]. The textbooks and published literature remain unclear as to where the LCL attaches to the femur and the fibula. We believe that for clinical examination and reconstruction of the LCL to be successful, it is very necessary to reconsider the attachment of the LCL on the femur and fibula, to determine the average length of the LCL, and to describe the surrounding tissues. This new data will be useful for further clinical examinations. The objectives of the present observational study were as follows: 1) to reconsider differences in attachments on the femur and fibula; 2) to explain differences in the length of the LCL based on our present observations and unpublished data; and 3) to describe the surrounding tissue and nerve innervation of the LCL
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