Posterolateral ligamentous complex

Last revised by Joachim Feger on 7 May 2021

The posterolateral ligamentous complex (also known as the arcuate ligamentous complex) of the knee is an important stabilizer and consists of a number of structures. Depending on the publication/definition more or less of the following structures are included 1-4:

Functional classification

Some authors group the structure comprising this ligamentous complex into the following functional groups:

Radiographic features

MRI

Components of the posterolateral corner that with some variability can be identified on MRI are:

  • biceps femoris tendon
  • fibular collateral ligament
  • popliteus tendon
  • popliteus musculotendinous complex including: 
    • popliteofibular ligament
    • fabellofibular ligament
    • arcuate ligament

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