The oblique popliteal ligament is an expansion of the semimembranosus tendon that fans across the posterior knee capsule from the medial tibia to the lateral femoral condyle, reinforcing the posterior capsule against hyperextension. It is part of the posteromedial corner anatomy and contributes to the resistance against posterior tibial translation in conjunction with the PCL. Its disruption in knee hyperextension injuries contributes to posteromedial instability.
| Origin | Expansion of the semimembranosus tendon from the posteromedial tibia |
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| Insertion | Lateral femoral condyle and posterior knee capsule |
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Reinforces the posterior knee capsule and helps prevent hyperextension of the knee.
The oblique popliteal ligament is relevant in total knee arthroplasty where the posterior capsular release must carefully balance flexion and extension gaps. It is also recognised as a source of posterior knee pain from semimembranosus-oblique popliteal complex injuries in football players following direct posterior capsular trauma.
Oblique popliteal ligament and posterior capsule disruption from hyperextension producing posterior knee pain and instability that contributes to PCL injury patterns.
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