Is the oblique popliteal ligament capsular?

The capsular ligament, oblique popliteal ligament and the infrapatellar synovial fold all attach to the intercondylar line on the posterior femur.

What part of the fibrous capsule of the knee joint does the oblique popliteal ligament strengthen?

The ligament arises posterior to the medial tibial condyle and passes superolaterally toward the lateral femoral condyle, blending with the central part of the posterior aspect of the joint capsule. And finally, the arcuate popliteal ligament strengthens the joint capsule posterolaterally.

What is the oblique ligament?

The POL (also referred to as the posterior medial capsule) is a triangular capsular ligament originating posterior to the superficial MCL at the adductor tubercle and inserting just below the joint line at the flare of the proximal medial tibia.

Why are popliteal ligaments important?

As such, they serve a dual purpose of maintaining the structural integrity of the knee joint while preventing hyperextension of the knee by forces directed at its front side as well as external rotation of the tibia bone in the shin, or the outward twisting of the tibia relative to the knee.

What does the oblique popliteal ligament attach to?

It is attached below to the posterior margin of the head of the tibia. It is one of the five insertions of the semimembranosus muscle. The oblique popliteal ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal fossa, and the popliteal artery rests upon it.

What does a oblique cord do?

Function. It has been suggested to strengthen the interosseus membrane proximally, provide restraint for the rotatory movements of the forearm, or that the ligament may stop bone bending and preventing buckling failure.

What does the oblique popliteal ligament do?

The oblique popliteal ligament (OPL) is a large ligamentous structure of the posterior knee and one of the five components of the posteromedial corner (PMC). It mainly prevents hyperextension in the knee 1-3 and in addition, it is thought to prevent excessive external rotation 1.

What is the anatomy of the obliques of the knee?

The OPL is a distinct ligament with identifiable anatomical limits. Based on its morphological characteristics, it appears more tendinous than ligamentous in nature. A better understanding of the OPL may help define its importance in the assessment and treatment of posterior knee injuries.

What is the shape and course of the posterior knee ligament?

It is a broad, flat ligament of the posterior knee joint, overlying the posterior joint capsule with a diagonal course at an angle of ca. 30° in relation to the knee joint 1,2. There are significant variabilities in shape as well as attachments, although main insertions and course seem to be relatively stable 1.