The role of the lateral extraarticular restraints in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee

Abstract

We measured the increases in tibiofemoral motion when lateral structures were sectioned in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees of 20 unembalmed cadaveric whole lower limbs. Motion was measured with a six degrees-of-freedom electrogoniometer. The lateral structures investigated were the iliotibial band and mid-lateral capsule, lateral collateral ligament, and popliteus tendon and the posterolateral capsule. Cutting the anterolateral structures increased anterior translation and internal rotation, particularly in flexion. Increases in motions were highly variable, reflecting the variation in function in the lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral structures. Cutting the lateral collateral ligament produced small changes in anterior translation and external rotation and larger increases in adduction. Cutting the posterolateral structures produced small increases in external rotation. Large increases in external rotation were found only if the lateral collateral ligament was also sectioned. The posterolateral structures act in concert with the lateral collateral ligament in restraining internal and external rotation. External rotation was affected at all flexion angles; internal rotation was affected mainly in extension. Our results can be used in the diagnosis of complex knee ligament injuries. Findings of increased anterior translation in both flexion and extension and increased internal rotation at 90 degrees of flexion are consistent with combined injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and the anterolateral structures. The anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee with significant posterolateral compromise (posterolateral structures/lateral collateral ligament) would exhibit larger anterior translation in extension than in flexion, increased adduction, and increased external rotation in both flexion and extension.