Łukasz Olewnik1, Bartosz Gonera2, Konrad Kurtys2, Michał Podgórski3, Michał Polguj4, Mirosław Topol2. 1. Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Interfaculty Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Electronic address: lukasz.olewnik@umed.lodz.pl. 2. Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Interfaculty Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. 3. Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Lodz, Poland. 4. Department of Angiology, Interfaculty Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) is subject to varus forces at all knee flexion angles and is also resistant to external rotation near extension. It originates on the lateral epicondyle of the femur and inserts on the lateral surface of the head of the fibula. However, its anatomical characteristics are inconsistent. Recent publications have focused on morphological variations concerning mainly femoral and fibular attachments, as well as morphometric measurements. Less attention has been paid to the morphology of the FCL and its relationship to the antero-lateral ligament (ALL). QUESTION/PURPOSES: The aim of this paper is therefore to introduce the first complete classification of the FCL that includes all important aspects of morphological variability. METHODS: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 111 lower limbs (25 isolated and 86 paired) fixed in 10% formalin solution. The lateral compartment of the knee was investigated in detail. RESULTS: The fibular collateral ligament was present in all specimens. The FCL originated most commonly (72.1% of cases) from the lateral femoral epicondyle, and the inserted on the lateral surface of the head of the fibula (Type I). In addition, bifurcated (Type IIa - 12.6%) and trifurcated (Type IIb - 0.9%) ligaments were also found with two and three distal bands, respectively. A double FCL was also found (Type III - 6.3%), as was fusion of the FCL and ALL (Type IV - 8.1%). CONCLUSION: The FCL is characterized by high morphological variability. Knowledge of these variants is essential for surgeries performed in this region concerning the FCL and the ALL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distinguishing FCL from the FCL-ALL Complex is necessary when planning surgical procedures.
BACKGROUND: The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) is subject to varus forces at all knee flexion angles and is also resistant to external rotation near extension. It originates on the lateral epicondyle of the femur and inserts on the lateral surface of the head of the fibula. However, its anatomical characteristics are inconsistent. Recent publications have focused on morphological variations concerning mainly femoral and fibular attachments, as well as morphometric measurements. Less attention has been paid to the morphology of the FCL and its relationship to the antero-lateral ligament (ALL). QUESTION/PURPOSES: The aim of this paper is therefore to introduce the first complete classification of the FCL that includes all important aspects of morphological variability. METHODS: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 111 lower limbs (25 isolated and 86 paired) fixed in 10% formalin solution. The lateral compartment of the knee was investigated in detail. RESULTS: The fibular collateral ligament was present in all specimens. The FCL originated most commonly (72.1% of cases) from the lateral femoral epicondyle, and the inserted on the lateral surface of the head of the fibula (Type I). In addition, bifurcated (Type IIa - 12.6%) and trifurcated (Type IIb - 0.9%) ligaments were also found with two and three distal bands, respectively. A double FCL was also found (Type III - 6.3%), as was fusion of the FCL and ALL (Type IV - 8.1%). CONCLUSION: The FCL is characterized by high morphological variability. Knowledge of these variants is essential for surgeries performed in this region concerning the FCL and the ALL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distinguishing FCL from the FCL-ALL Complex is necessary when planning surgical procedures.
Authors: Bartłomiej Szewczyk; Jose Ramon Sanudo; Michał Podgórski; Nicol Zielinska; Maria Bettencourt Pires; Paloma Aragonés; Łukasz Olewnik Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2022-04-22 Impact factor: 3.246
Authors: Łukasz Olewnik; Kacper Ruzik; Bartłomiej Szewczyk; Michał Podgórski; Paloma Aragonés; Piotr Karauda; R Shane Tubbs; Jose Ramon Sanudo; Maria Bettencourt Pires; Michał Polguj Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2022-02-16 Impact factor: 3.411