Joints and ligaments · Lower limb
Oblique popliteal ligament !
The oblique popliteal ligament, an extension of a hamstring tendon, is the largest band reinforcing the back of the knee capsule.
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What it is
A band crossing the back of the knee capsule.
What it does
Reinforces the back of the joint and helps stop over-straightening.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Expansion of semimembranosus tendon from posteromedial tibial condyle, running up and laterally to posterior capsule near lateral femoral condyle
- Function
- Reinforces posterior capsule; resists hyperextension; popliteal artery lies on it
- Tight in
- Knee hyperextension
Relations
- Behind
- Popliteal artery lying directly on it, then the popliteal vein and the tibial nerve
- In front
- Posterior capsule over the femoral condyles and the intercondylar fossa
- Medial
- Semimembranosus insertion on the posteromedial tibial condyle and the medial head of gastrocnemius
- Lateral
- Lateral head of gastrocnemius, where a fabella may sit
How to find it
Deep in the floor of the popliteal fossa, not palpable; in a posterior approach to the knee it is reached after the popliteal vessels and tibial nerve are moved aside, running up and laterally from the semimembranosus insertion.
On imaging
On axial MRI or ultrasound, a popliteal (Baker) cyst has a neck that passes between the semimembranosus tendon and the medial head of gastrocnemius near this ligament; sagittal MRI shows it as part of the thick posterior capsule.
Clinical notes
- The gastrocnemius–semimembranosus bursa lies at its medial end; when distended it forms a popliteal (Baker) cyst
- A contracted posterior capsule, including this ligament, holds a fixed flexion deformity and may be released in knee replacement
- The popliteal artery lies directly on it, so posterior capsule surgery is done with the artery in view or protected
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
The oblique popliteal ligament is an expansion of which tendon?
The semimembranosus tendon; it is the largest reinforcing band on the back of the knee capsule.
Which artery lies directly on the oblique popliteal ligament?
The popliteal artery, so posterior capsule surgery is done with the artery in view or protected.
Which artery pierces the oblique popliteal ligament, and what does it supply?
The middle genicular artery, which supplies the cruciate ligaments.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum popliteum obliquum TA2 1899
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento poplíteo oblicuo
- English (TA2)
- Oblique popliteal ligament
- Also called
- ligament of Bourgery · ligament of Winslow
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Popliteal Region; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee; 9.6 Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, CC BY 4.0.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
