Lateral border of patella

The lateral border of the patella is the site of attachment for the lateral patellofemoral complex, which includes the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL), the lateral patellomeniscal ligament (LPML), and the lateral patellotibial ligament (LPTL). The LPFL attaches to the lateral border of the patella, with its patellar attachment spanning approximately 59% of the sagittal length of the patella, and a portion also inserting into the patellar tendon. The LPML and LPTL also have patellar insertions, with the LPML connecting to the lateral meniscus and the LPTL to the lateral tibia.[1]

Superficially, the lateral retinaculum overlies the lateral border, and the vastus lateralis muscle inserts into the superolateral aspect of the patella, contributing to the extensor mechanism and patellar stabilization.