Anterolateral ligament of the knee

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The anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) is a ligament that is thought to aid with rotational stability of the knee joint. Some think that its presence (or reconstruction) may result in better outcomes from ACL stabilization surgery .

Gross anatomy

  • origin: prominence of the lateral femoral epicondyle, slightly anterior to the origin of the lateral collateral ligament
  • proximal ALL fibers connect with LCL
  • insertion: anterolateral aspect of the proximal tibia (between Gerdy's tubercle and the tip of the fibular head), with firm attachments to the lateral meniscus

Function

The ALL is together with ACL involved in rotational stability of the knee, resisting internal tibial rotation and anterior tibial translation. Injury of the ligament is related to pivot-shift injuries with ACL tear, and can result in lateral meniscus tear and Segond fracture .

Radiographic features

The normal ligament can be identified with MRI and ultrasound . Whether imaging modalities are able to distinguish an injured ligament from an absent ligament is still an area of research.

History and etymology

Thought to have been first described by Paul Segond, a French surgeon, in 1879 .