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# Popliteofibular ligament

The popliteofibular ligament joins the popliteus tendon to the [fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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 points

- One of the three main static stabilizers of the posterolateral corner, with the LCL and the popliteus tendon
- Torn in varus, hyperextension or posterolateral blows to the knee, usually with the LCL and often with a cruciate
- Rebuilt in anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction, together with the LCL and the popliteus tendon

## Key facts

**Attaches**
[Popliteus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/popliteus-muscle/) musculotendinous junction to styloid process (apex) of fibular head

**Function**
Posterolateral corner stabilizer; resists external rotation, varus and posterior translation of [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/)

**Tight in**
External rotation of tibia

## Relations

**Course**
From the [popliteus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-popliteus/) near its musculotendinous junction, it runs down and laterally to the styloid process of the fibular head

**Behind**
[Arcuate popliteal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-biceps-femoris/)

## How to find it

Not palpable. In a posterolateral approach the biceps tendon and the [common fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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

- [PCL Injury](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pcl-injury/)

## 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.

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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

- [LCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibular-collateral-ligament/)
- [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Popliteal Region](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532891/); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500017/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/popliteofibular-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/popliteofibular-ligament/