The fabellofibular and arcuate ligaments of the knee joint: attachments, functional and clinical implicationsfor the posterolateral aspect of the knee joint

Abstract

Summary Of ResultsThe fabellofibular ligament is attached proximally to the fabella (bony or cartilaginous, found in 8–16 % of human knees) and distally to the lateral basal aspect of the fibular head anterolateral to the insertion of the popliteofibular ligament. It's an independent ligament proven that the lateral inferior genicular blood vessels separate it from the femoral condyle. The Y‐SHAPED arcuate ligament's base is attached to base of the apex of the fibular head ( deep to the fabellopopliteal ligament when it is present), the medial limb courses up and merges with posterior part of the knee joint capsule and the oblique popliteal ligament. It has fibres attached to the lateral knee joint mensicus too adding to its posterior mobility. Its lateral limb courses upwards to be attached to the lateral femoral condyle. The arcuate ligament's relationships with the fabellopopliteal ligament, the deeper part of the lateral collateral ligament and with the absence or presence of fabellae are discussed in detail. Attachments of the popliteofibular ligament and the superior & inferior popliteomeniscal fibres are also discussed.Summary of conclusionsAll the ligaments of the posterolateral aspect of the human knee develop relative to the larger phylogenetic evolution event in which the fibular head regresses downwards and loses it primitive articulation with the lateral condyle of the femur. In posterolateral knee joint injuries the above ligaments should be visually sought out and attempts made to repair them individually. This is especially true for repairs of injuries of the lateral meniscus and lateral collateral ligament where associated injuries of the above smaller ligaments exist.Grant Funding Source : Indian Institute of Morphology