Lateral femorotibial compartment of knee joint - CT arthrography knee - Axial - e-Anatomy
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Lateral femorotibial compartment of knee joint

Articulatio femorotibialis lateralis genus

  • Latin synonym: Compartimentum femorotibialis lateralis
  • Synonym: Lateral femorotibial joint
  • Related terms: Femorotibial joint : Lateral; Femorotibial joint (Lateral)

Definition

Antoine Micheau

The lateral femorotibial compartment of the knee joint is located between the articular surfaces of the lateral femoral condyle ant the lateral tibial plateau, separated by the lateral meniscus.

Various structures contribute to its stability and function of the lateral femorotibial joint:

1. Lateral Meniscus: This fibrocartilaginous structure acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia, aiding in load distribution and shock absorption.

2. Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): This ligament runs from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the head of the fibula, providing lateral stability to the knee.

3. Iliotibial Tract (ITB): This thick band of fascia extends from the iliac crest to the lateral tibial condyle, contributing to anterolateral stability.

4. Anterolateral Ligament (ALL): This ligament, running from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the lateral tibial plateau, plays a role in controlling internal tibial rotation.[1-2]

5. Popliteus Muscle and Tendon: The popliteus muscle originates from the lateral femoral condyle and inserts into the posterior surface of the tibia. It assists in unlocking the knee from full extension and stabilizes the lateral meniscus.[3-4]

6. Arcuate Ligament Complex: This includes the arcuate ligament, fabellofibular ligament, and the popliteofibular ligament, which collectively provide posterolateral stability.[3]

7. Biceps Femoris Tendon: This tendon of the hamstring muscle group attaches to the head of the fibula and contributes to lateral knee stability.[3]

References

1.The Anatomy of the Anterolateral Structures of the Knee - A Histologic and Macroscopic Approach.Brockmeyer M, Orth P, Höfer D, et al.The Knee. 2019;26(3):636-646. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2019.02.017.

2.The Anterolateral Ligament: Anatomy, Length Changes and Association With the Segond Fracture.Dodds AL, Halewood C, Gupte CM, Williams A, Amis AA.The Bone & Joint Journal. 2014;96-B(3):325-31. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.96B3.33033.

3.Lateral Stabilizing Structures of the Knee: Functional Anatomy and Injuries Assessed With MR Imaging.Recondo JA, Salvador E, Villanúa JA, et al.Radiographics : A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 2000;20 Spec No:S91-S102. doi:10.1148/radiographics.20.suppl_1.g00oc02s91.

4.The Menisco-Tibio-Popliteus-Fibular Complex: Anatomic Description of the Structures That Could Avoid Lateral Meniscal Extrusion.Masferrer-Pino A, Saenz-Navarro I, Rojas G, et al.Arthroscopy : The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery : Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association. 2020;36(7):1917-1925. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2020.03.010.

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