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Home › Body Atlas › Muscles › Vastus Lateralis Oblique Detail
Muscle Thigh

Vastus Lateralis Oblique Detail

musculus vastus lateralis obliquus detail

The VLO is the distal oblique fibre bundle of VL, angled 40-50 degrees relative to the femoral shaft. It acts via the lateral patellar retinaculum to control lateral patellar tilt.

An expanded entry for Vastus Lateralis Oblique.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginLateral intermuscular septum and the VL-vastus intermedius junction
InsertionSuperolateral patella via the lateral retinaculum
Nerve SupplyFemoral nerve branches (L2, L3, L4)
Blood SupplyDescending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Controls patellar tracking via lateral retinaculum tension
  • Contributes to knee extension

Its oblique fibres exert a lateral pull on the patella via the lateral retinaculum, balanced by the vastus medialis during knee extension.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

VLO tightness or relative hyperactivity versus VMO is a key factor in lateral patellar compression syndrome. Lateral release divides the VLO contribution to the lateral retinaculum.

Palpation

Palpated at the superolateral patellar pole during active knee extension.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

VLO Hyperactivity in Lateral Patellar Compression

Relative VLO overactivity producing lateral patellar tilt and anterior knee pain, managed by VMO strengthening and lateral release in refractory cases.

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