Assistant
Definition
By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD
The posterior oblique ligament of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by being in the deep layer of the medial compartment of the knee.
It is part of the knee joint. It consists of fibrous dense regular connective tissue of collagen fibers.
Its unique structural feature is that it is a thickening of the medial capsular ligament and part of the deep layer of the medial compartment. The origin is the medial femur distal to the adductor tubercle but posterior to the superficial medial collateral ligament origin. It inserts inot the posteromedial corner of the proximal tibia.
The posterior oblique ligament as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.
The function of the posterior oblique ligament is to help stabilize the medial meniscus along with the coronary ligaments. The posterior oblique ligament may also play a role in rotator stability. It provides some static valgus resistance.
Common diseases include ligament tears and sprains. It can be injured in combination with other structures in the knee such as the medial meniscus.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, x-ray, and MRI.
It is usually treated with surgery or nonoperative methods. The indications for surgical repair of the posterior oblique ligament are unclear.
References
Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.
Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Wheeless’s Textbook of Orthopaedics: Posterior Oblique Ligament (http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/posterior_oblique_ligament)