Popliteofibular ligament

The popliteofibular ligament is a part of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee. It originates from the musculotendinous junction or the inferior surface of the popliteus tendon and courses obliquely downward and laterally to insert onto the fibular head, at the styloid process.

Morphologically, the popliteofibular ligament exhibits significant variation. The most common configuration (Type I) is a single band attaching to the apex of the fibular head. Type II features a bifurcated structure with dominant and smaller bands inserting on the anterior and posterior aspects of the styloid process, respectively. Type III consists of two separate ligaments: one from the popliteus tendon to the anterior slope, and another from the musculotendinous junction to the posterior surface of the styloid process.

The ligament measures approximately 10–13 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 2 mm in thickness, with a sagittal inclination of about 20°.[4]

Functionally, the popliteofibular ligament resists varus angulation, external rotation, and posterior translation of the tibia, acting synergistically with the fibular collateral ligament and popliteus tendon.