2017 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1624

 

Anatomical Characteristics And Biomechanical Properties Of The Oblique Popliteal Ligament

Xiang-Dong Wu, MD, Chongqing CHINA
Hu Ning, Prof., Chongqing CHINA
Shan-Quan Sun, PhD, Chongqing CHINA
Wei Huang, Chongqing CHINA

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China, Chongqing, Chongqing, CHINA

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary

The medial and lateral attachments of the OPL were relatively permanent, but its course and structure was variable, and can be classified into types. The OPL plays significant roles in preventing knee both excessive external rotation and hyperextension, and strengthened the stability of the knee. An improved recognition of the OPL may help define its involvement in posterior knee injuries, and the

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this anatomical study was to investigate the morphological characteristics and biomechanical properties of the oblique popliteal ligament (OPL), and to provide further anatomical basis for clinic.

Methods

Fifteen paired, formalin-fixed cadaveric knees were utilized for the study. The OPL and surrounding structures were dissected; its morphology was carefully observed and analyzed; and its length, width and thickness was measured with a Vernier caliper. The biomechanical properties of the OPL were explored using a self-designed tensile testing instrument.

Results

All of the OPL has two origins, one originated from the posterior surface of the posteromedial tibia condyle, merged with fibers from the semimembranosus tendon; another originated from the posteromedial part of the capsule. The two origins converged and coursed superolaterally to attach to the fabella or to the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and blended with the posterior lateral joint capsule. The OPL can be classified into five types according to the external shape: Band-shaped, Y-shaped, Z-shaped, Trident-shaped, and Complex-shaped structures. The mean length, width and thickness of the OPL were 39.54 ± 4.64 mm, 22.59 ± 5.09 mm, 1.44 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. The angle between the trunk of OPL and horizontal line was 29.78° ± 2.62°. When a hyperextension force acting on the knee, the OPL and the tibial expansion of the OPL became taut. When an external rotation torque (18 Newton·meters) acting on the tibia before and after the OPL was sectioned, the tibia externally rotated with an increased angle 8.4° (P = 0.0043) averagely.
Conclusions: The origins and insertions of the OPL were relatively similar, but its overall shape was variable. The OPL plays significant roles in preventing knee both excessive external rotation and hyperextension.
Clinical Relevance: An improved recognition of the OPL would help define its involvement in posterior knee injuries and the potential consequences of sectioning it during posterior knee surgery.