ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE POSTEROLATERAL LIGAMENT COMPLEX OF THE KNEE: LCL AND POPLITEUS TENDON

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. Methods: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. Results: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies.

摘要 目的：通过对混合人群的尸体标本进行解剖，分析腘肌腱（popliteus tendon, PT）与外侧副韧带（lateral collateral ligament, LCL）的股骨止点间距。方法：对新鲜尸体标本进行解剖，记录所有标本的人体测量学数据。使用数字游标卡尺测量股骨区域内腘肌腱股骨止点至外侧副韧带股骨止点的距离，以及各结构的直径。结果：共解剖11侧膝关节，其中男性8例、女性3例，受试者平均年龄71.5±15.2岁，平均体重57.2±15.6kg，平均身高170.5±8.2cm。外侧副韧带股骨附着区中心至腘肌腱股骨附着区中心的距离为10.0±2.4mm。二者最邻近边缘与最远离边缘的间距分别为3.1±1.1mm和16.3±2.4mm。结论：在本次研究的混合人群中，腘肌腱与外侧副韧带的中点间距小于既往文献中常见报道的数值。采用分别为外侧副韧带与腘肌腱建立隧道的方式进行后外侧复合体（posterolateral complex, PLC）重建，可能无法在任意人群中实现该术式的技术可行性。证据等级：Ⅲ级，诊断性研究。