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J Knee Surg 2016; 29(07): 571-579
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1569148
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Revisiting the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee

Jonathan D. Kosy
1   Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
,
Vipul I. Mandalia
1   Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 April 2015

20 October 2015

Publication Date:
18 December 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Recent research has suggested that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee may have an important role in preventing persistent rotatory instability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

For this review, we performed a thorough literature search and identified the significant steps in the improvement of our understanding. This has progressed from historical reports to accurate characterization of the attachments and dimensions of the ALL through anatomical and histological studies. Alongside this, biomechanical data have demonstrated the role of this structure throughout the range of movement of the knee. Furthermore, the appearance of the ALL on magnetic resonance imaging has been comprehensibly described and radiological markers have been defined as a basis for suggested reconstructive procedures using fluoroscopy.

We present a comprehensive review of the evolution of our understanding about this structure. Key advances in our understanding of the dimensions and attachments will guide research into reconstructive options. Further work is needed to determine the biomechanical and clinical outcome of extra-articular reconstruction of the ALL alongside ACL reconstruction.

Keywords

anterolateral ligament - anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - knee anatomy - knee biomechanics
 

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