Popliteofibular ligament

Looks like

A short strong band from the popliteus tendon to the head of the fibula at the back-outer corner of the knee.

What it does

A key stabiliser of the outer back corner, resisting outward rotation of the tibia.

Keeping it well

Often torn with cruciate ligament injuries; missed injury causes graft failure. Reconstructed in outer-corner surgery.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
• Lymphoedema
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Restless legs syndrome
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Varicose veins