The “Oblique Popliteal Ligament”: A Macro- and Microanalysis to Determine If It Is a Ligament or a Tendon

Abstract

Introduction. This study investigated the importance of the “oblique popliteal ligament” (OPL), and challenges its alleged ligament status. The currently named OPL is indigenous to the distal semimembranosus (SMT); therefore, by definition is not a ligament inserting from bone to bone. Clinically, a muscle-tendon unit is different then a ligament regarding proprioception and surgery. Methods. Literature search was conducted on texts, journals and websites regarding the formation of the OPL. Dissection of 70 knees included macro analysis, harvesting OPL, distal SMT and LCL samples and performing immunohistochemistry to 16 knees with antibody staining to the OPL, distal SMT and LCL. Results. All but one text claimed the OPL receives fibers from SMT. Macro dissection of 70 knees revealed the OPL forming from the distal SMT (100%). Microanalysis of OPL, distal SMT and LCL samples from 16 knees demonstrated expression of nervous tissue within selected samples. Discussion. No journals or texts have hypothesized that the OPL is a tendon. Clinically it is important we know the type of tissue for purposes of maximizing rehabilitation and surgical techniques. Conclusion. This study suggests the OPL be considered the oblique popliteal tendon as a result of the macro and micro evidence revealed.

What Is New about the Semimembranosus Distal Tendon? Ultrasound, Anatomical, and Histological Study with Clinical and Therapeutic Application

“…Ultrasound was performed with the LOGIQ P9 ultrasound system (GE Ultrasound Korea LTD, Seongnam, Korea) using a high-frequency linear probe (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). The posterior thigh muscles were identified in the transverse and longitudinal axis before examination.…”

“…Life 2024, 14, 631 2 of 15 These distal tendons insert in different anatomical structures [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] and have different histological [12,13] and embryological [14,15] characteristics affording them different roles in the stabilization [4,9,11,[16][17][18] and proprioception [5,13,19] of the knee joint. However, each tendon will respond differently to traction force, which can produce differing repercussions [7,20,21], including avulsion [20,22], tendinopathy [21], bursitis [14,23], meniscal injury [7,22,24], and capsule tear [20,22].…”

Multiligamentous Injury of the Knee: MRI Diagnosis and Injury Patterns

“…It is best identified on axial and sagittal sequences. 52,53,55,56 The POL is biomechanically complex, offering restraint to internal and external rotation, valgus stress, and anterior and posterior tibial translation. The POL is a key stabilizer against internal rotation at all angles of knee flexion.…”