Biomechanical Proof for the Existence of the Anterolateral Ligament

With the recent "description" of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee, its role in controlling rotational stability has reemerged. An improved understanding of the anatomy of the anterolateral complex of the knee has led to an expansion of the literature on the biomechanics of many structures, including the contribution of the iliotibial band and its deep (Kaplan) fibers, the capsulo-osseous layer, the ALL, and the lateral meniscal posterior root to knee stability. This article describes the primary and secondary roles of key anatomic structures at the anterolateral aspect of the knee.