Anterolateral ligament in pediatric knees: A radiographic study

Background: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is a true well-defined ligament in the knee first described in 1879 by Segond. After the work of Claes et al., several studies were conducted about biomechanics and its role in stability of the knee. The anatomical existence of the ALL has been studied by and various radiographic diagnostic modalities and in cadavers. It originates from lateral femoral epicondyle and is inserted between Gerdy's tubercle and the fibular head. There has been controversy about the existence of ALL in pediatric patients. The aim of this work was to confirm the presence of ALL in pediatric patients by using MRI. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the knee MRI scans of 100 pediatric patients (ages between one and 12 yr) who had no knee injury or congenital deformity and had been evaluated by an expert radiologist. Results: The ALL was detected in 90% of the pediatric patients with the use of MRI. Conclusions: The main finding of this study was that ALL can be seen in pediatric patients using MRI. Despite numerous studies, additional research is needed to further define the role of the ALL in knee function.