Anatomy of the ligaments of the posterolateral corner of the knee: A narrative literature review

The posterolateral region of the knee or so-called posterolateral corner of the knee or posterolateral angle is an anatomical entity that remains relatively unknown. A clinical consensus relative to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of posterolateral corner injuries has recently been published. However, there are still knowledge gaps as to the precise anatomy and variability of all the structures that are part of this anatomical region. There is also paucity relative to their precise histological characteristics and their function. In addition, the nomenclature used in the literature for the posterolateral corner structures is sometimes confusing. A narrative review of the research focused on the posterolateral corner of the knee over the last hundred years was conducted. The main objective of this work was to synthesize and to bring order to the existing knowledge of the main ligamentous and tendinous components of the posterolateral corner of the knee. Twenty fresh-frozen human knees from a body donor programme were dissected to obtain anatomical images from each one of the posterolateral corner structures. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the anatomical descriptions of some of the posterolateral corner structures. Their nomenclature is still confusing, and the anatomical descriptions are not sufficiently complete. However, the images taken of each of the posterolateral corner structures show their main morphological characteristics. This work will help to develop a common framework and a consensus on the anatomy of these structures. Currently, the lack of consensus relative to the anatomy of the posterolateral region of the knee makes it difficult to resolve issues around injuries to them, their diagnosis, and the treatment of these structures. Level of Evidence: N/A.