Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Grechenig, P.
Anatomical Description of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2019. pp. 56
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Hohenberger Gloria
- Sadoghi Patrick
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: In the recent decade, the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee has received increased attention in anatomical and biomechanical studies. The structure might have an impact on the anterolateral stability of the knee and undetected injuries of the ALL could lead to persistent knee instability after isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the current literature lacks information concerning potential gender differences regarding anatomical characteristics and pathologies of the ALL. However, this might be essential since it is known that ACL-ruptures occur more commonly in female than in male athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the ALL in a large collective with the main focus on potential gender differences. Material & Methods: The study sample included 80 paired adult human cadavers’ lower extremities, embalmed using Thiel’s method. After measurement of the total leg length (TLL), which was defined as the interval between the apex of the greater trochanter of the femur and the distal tip of the lateral malleolus, the skin and subcutaneous tissues were removed. The lateral portion of the knee capsule was inspected with regard to the existence of an ALL. Its total length was taken in extension. The length of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was taken in extension and the length of the ACL was measured in 120° flexion. Results: Forty-two cadavers were gained from female and 38 from male donors. The ALL was significantly (p = .044) shorter in females (mean length: 32.8 mm; SD: 5.2; range: 22.9-41.3) than in males (mean length: 35.7 mm; SD: 7.1; range: 24.6-53.1). The ACL was also significantly (p = < .001) longer in males (mean length: 35.8 mm; SD: 2.8; range: 28.1-41) when compared to females (mean: 31.7 mm; SD: 4.6; range: 23.4-41.3). However, there was no significant (p = .084) gender difference concerning the length of the LCL (females: mean of 45.2 mm; SD: 6.7; range: 30.6-59.2/males: mean of 47.9 mm; SD: 6.9; range: 35.8-62). The ALL correlated significantly positively with the ACL (p = < .001) and the LCL (p = < .001). There was no significant correlation with the TLL (p = .888) and the body size (p = .046). The ACL correlated positively with the LCL (p = < .001), the TLL (p = .002) and the body size (p = < .001). The LCL did not correlate with TLL (p = .124) or donor’s height (p = .243). Further, TLL and donor size correlated significantly positively (p = < .001). Conclusion: Absolute differences in the ALL’s length reach a statistically significant difference between the sexes, however without clinical relevance. The length of the ALL correlates significantly positively with the ACL- and LCL-length.