Joints and ligaments · Lower limb
Popliteofibular ligament !
The popliteofibular ligament joins the popliteus tendon to the fibula; it steadies the outer back corner of the knee.
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What it is
A small ligament at the back-outer corner of the knee, from the popliteus tendon to the fibula.
What it does
Helps resist outward rotation of the shin.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Popliteus musculotendinous junction to styloid process (apex) of fibular head
- Function
- Posterolateral corner stabilizer; resists external rotation, varus and posterior translation of tibia
- Tight in
- External rotation of tibia
Relations
- Course
- From the popliteus tendon near its musculotendinous junction, it runs down and laterally to the styloid process of the fibular head
- Behind
- Arcuate popliteal ligament and, when a fabella is present, the fabellofibular ligament
- Lateral
- LCL, inserting just in front of it on the fibular head, and the biceps femoris tendon
How to find it
Not palpable. In a posterolateral approach the biceps tendon and the common fibular nerve are found first; the ligament then lies deep, between the popliteus tendon at its musculotendinous junction and the tip of the fibular head, just behind the LCL insertion.
Examination
- Dial test: over 10° more external rotation than the other side at 30° of flexion means a posterolateral corner injury; at both 30° and 90°, PCL injury as well
- Posterolateral drawer: at 90° with the foot turned out, the lateral tibial plateau rotates backward
- Reverse pivot shift: from flexion to extension with valgus and external rotation, the posteriorly subluxed lateral plateau reduces with a clunk
On imaging
Small and oblique: best seen on thin coronal and sagittal MRI near the fibular styloid, and often not clearly seen even in normal knees. An avulsed flake of the fibular styloid on X-ray (arcuate sign) suggests the whole posterolateral corner is injured.
Clinical notes
- A missed posterolateral corner injury is a classic cause of ACL or PCL graft failure
- The common fibular nerve lies just below the fibular head and is at risk both from the injury and in the repair
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What are the attachments of the popliteofibular ligament?
From the popliteus musculotendinous junction to the styloid process (apex) of the fibular head.
What movement does the popliteofibular ligament mainly resist?
External rotation of the tibia; it also resists varus and posterior translation as a posterolateral corner stabilizer.
How is a positive dial test interpreted in a posterolateral corner injury?
Over 10° more external rotation at 30° only means a posterolateral corner injury; at both 30° and 90°, a PCL injury as well.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum popliteofibulare TA2 1906
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento popliteofibular
- English (TA2)
- Popliteofibular ligament
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Popliteal Region; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
