[Anatomical study on anterolateral ligament in a Chinese population].

Objective: To make further exploration of the structure characteristics of anterolateral ligament (ALL) and provide clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment of ALL injury, especially for ALL reconstruction through anatomical study of ALL in a Chinese population. Methods: Sixteen cadaveric knees, including 8 left knees and 8 right knees with sex ratio of 1∶1 and a mean age of 73.5 years (range, 57-84 years), were dissected to reveal the ALL through a standard approach. A qualitative and a quantitative characterizations of the ALL were performed. Results: >0.05). Conclusion: ALL is an independent and a non-isometric ligament located in the anterolateral area to the knee, of which the length is different between males and females. ALL plays a role in rotational stability of the knee, and should be put much emphasis in clinical practice.