Anatomic and biomechanical study of popliteofibular ligament and its clinical significance

Objective:To study the anatom ic featuresofpopliteofibularligam ent,and explore itsstabilitymechanism in knee motion. M ethods: By perform ing anatom ic dissection on 30 knees of 15 cadavers,w eobserved the location, component, morphologic characteristics of popliteofibular ligament (PFL) atposterolateral area of the knee. With a specially designed rig mounting the specimens applied by a constantforce, we investigated knee varus displacement and the translation of upper tibia posterolateral rotation, beforeand after PFL being cutted. Results:1.PFL located in the posterallateralaspectofknee,adjunctto superiortibiofibular synthesis was a ligament-like structure linking the posterosuperior area of fibular head and poplitealtendon. According to its attachments on popliteal tendon, the PFL can be divided into anterior and posteriorbands. 2. Sectioning the PFL resulted in increased posterolateral rotation of the upper tibia, but insignificantknee varus displacement. Conclusions:1.PFL isan im portantstructure forknee stability in knee posterolateralstructures; 2. PFL has a significant role in preventing knee posterolateral rotatory instability; 3. If the PLC isinjured severely, it will be necessary to restore the knee stability for restricting abnormal posterolateral rotationby PFL reconstruction.