Biomechanical Role of Lateral Structures in Controlling Anterolateral Rotatory Laxity: The Anterolateral Ligament

Recent renewed interest in the anatomy of the anterolateral complex of the knee, combined with concern regarding persistent instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, has led to an expansion of the literature on the biomechanics of many structures of the anterolateral complex of the knee. A review of the clinical significance and the key biomechanical principles concerning this region is performed. The primary and secondary roles of key anatomical structures, with a specific emphasis on the anterolateral ligament, along with length change patterns and implications on anterolateral complex-based reconstruction are reviewed.