Editorial Commentary: The Anterolateral Ligament Really Exists, Now Show Me How to Find It.

Abstract

The anterior lateral complex is commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This has been evident since the description of the Segond fracture and by the use of lateral extra-articular tenodesis for ACL injury. Although lateral extra-articular tenodesis has been mostly given up owing to a preference for anatomic ACL reconstructions, it is gaining interest as an adjunct to ACL reconstruction. To determine the need for an anterolateral procedure we need to be able to identify those patients with deficiency in the anterolateral complex. Magnetic resonance imaging is a widely available tool and is typically obtained for every suspected ACL knee injury. Further detailed descriptions of the anterior lateral complex on magnetic resonance imaging can assist in determining accurate indications for anterolateral procedures.