The arcuate popliteal ligament is a Y-shaped thickening of the posterolateral knee capsule. Its stem arises from the apex (styloid process) of the fibular head and it arches over the popliteus tendon as it emerges from the joint, blending with the posterior capsule. Together with the lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon and popliteofibular ligament it forms the posterolateral corner of the knee.
| Origin | Apex (styloid process) of the head of the fibula |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Posterior knee capsule: one limb arches medially over the popliteus tendon toward the posterior intercondylar area, the other runs up toward the lateral femoral condyle |
| Actions |
|
|---|
Reinforces the posterolateral capsule and helps resist varus and external rotation of the tibia.
The arcuate sign (avulsion fracture of the fibular styloid) on plain radiographs is a highly specific indicator of posterolateral corner injury and should prompt MRI of the LCL, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament. Its identification at the time of multiligament knee injury ensures the posterolateral corner is not missed and left unrepaired. In anatomical PLC reconstruction the LCL, popliteus tendon and popliteofibular ligament are reconstructed, and the arcuate ligament is reinforced indirectly.
Fibular styloid avulsion of the arcuate ligament in posterolateral corner injuries, the radiographic arcuate sign indicating high probability of complete posterolateral corner disruption.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
