Secondary Stabilizers of Tibial Rotation in the Intact and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficient Knee

The controversy regarding the existence and function of the anterolateral ligament or anterolateral complex has reinvigorated interest in rotational stability of the knee joint. This is particularly true of anterolateral rotary instability, as many patients, despite anatomic reconstruction of their anterior cruciate ligament, continue to experience instability. Many experts point toward compromised anterolateral restraints as the underlying culprit, namely, the anterolateral complex, which includes the iliotibial band, anterolateral capsule, lateral meniscus, and lateral collateral ligament. This article provides a breakdown of these structures, their function, biomechanical properties, and clinical importance, based on a thorough review of available literature.