(Fig 3-B.22) Arcuate and Fabellofibular Ligament Tears

https://youtu.be/4_L3OANdAmQ

 

https://youtu.be/6WOItzqJj1g

 

✅ Fabellofibular Ligament

• Originates from the fabella, runs vertically parallel to the lateral collateral ligament, and attaches to the fibular styloid process.

 

✅ Arcuate Ligament

• Thickening/reinforcement of the posterolateral capsule
• Y-shaped, runs to the apex of the fibular styloid process
• Lateral limb attaches to lateral femoral condyle and posterolateral joint capsule
• Medial limb attaches to posterior capsule and oblique popliteal ligament

 

✅ Visualizing These Ligaments on MRI

• Difficult to visualize arcuate and fabellofibular ligaments on MRI, even when present
• More conspicuous on non-fat-saturated MRI as surrounded by adipose tissue

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📌 Identifying Ligament Injuries

• Increased pericapsular signal surrounding posterolateral capsule on fat-suppressed, fluid-sensitive MRI suggests injury
• In this case, more severe injuries with disruption of posterolateral capsule
• Tears of fabellofibular and arcuate ligaments evident

 

Radiographics. 2016 Oct;36(6):1776-1791.

RadioGraphics 2014; 34:496–513

Radiol Clin North Am. 2018 Nov;56(6):935-951.

Stoller's Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: The Knee

 

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