[Applied anatomic and biomechanical study on reconstruction of posterolateral complex of knee]

To provide the anatomic evidences and the choice of tendon graft for anatomic reconstruction of posterolateral complex through the morphological and biomechanical study on posterolateral structures of the knee in normal adult cadavers.

Twenty-three fresh lower limb specimens from voluntary donators and 9 lower limbs soaked by Formalin were selected for anatomic study on the posterolateral complex of the knee. Six fresh specimens were applied to measure the maximum load, intensity of popliteus tendon, lateral collateral ligament, and popliteofibular ligament, which were key components of the posterolateral complex.

Popliteus musculotendinous junction was located at 7.02-11.52 mm beneath lateral tibial plateau and 8.22-13.94 mm medially to fibular styloid process. The distances from femoral insertion of popliteus tendon to the lower border of femoral condyle and to posterior edge of femoral condyle were 10.52-14.38 mm and 14.24-26.18 mm, respectively. Popliteofibular ligament originated from popliteus musculotendinous junction and ended at fibular styloid process. Lateral collateral ligament was located at 10.54-16.48 mm inferior to fibular styloid process, and the distances from femoral insertion to the lower border of femoral condyle and to posterior edge of femoral condyle were 14.92-19.62 mm and 14.66-27.08 mm, respectively. The maximum load and intensity were 579.60-888.40 N and 20.50-43.70 MPa for popliteus tendon, were 673.80-1 003.20 N and 24.30-56.40 MPa for lateral collateral ligament, and were 101.56-567.35 N and 8.94-36.16 MPa for popliteofibular ligament, respectively.

During anatomical reconstruction of posterolateral complex, the bony tunnel of the key components should be located according to the insertion mentioned above. On the basis of this study, the maximum load and intensity of selectable grafts should exceed 833 N and 36 MPa.