Location and function
Oblique popliteal ligament (lig. popliteum obliquum) is located on the posterior surface of the knee joint (articulatio genus). Biomechanically, this joint is condylar.
This ligament belongs to the group of extracapsular ligaments. It weaves directly into the posterior wall of the joint capsule, reinforcing it posteriorly. Together with it, the posterior aspect of the capsule is supported by the arcuate popliteal ligament (lig. popliteum arcuatum). The knee joint includes the articular surfaces of the femoral and tibial condyles, as well as the patella. Inside the joint are two menisci and intracapsular cruciate ligaments.
How is the oblique popliteal ligament formed?
Semimembranosus muscle (m. semimembranosus), originating from the ischial tuberosity, has a broad, flat tendon. In its distal part, this tendon splits into three bundles:
- Medial bundle — attaches to the posteromedial surface of the medial tibial condyle.
- Middle bundle — blends into the fascia covering the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
- Lateral bundle — courses toward the knee joint capsule and continues as the oblique popliteal ligament (lig. popliteum obliquum).
At the point where these bundles diverge lies the subtendinous bursa of the semimembranosus muscle (bursa m. semimembranosi). The semimembranosus muscle extends the thigh, flexes the leg, and rotates it medially.
Topography: participation in the formation of the popliteal fossa
The oblique popliteal ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea). This fossa is diamond-shaped. The floor of the popliteal fossa is formed by the following structures:
- Popliteal surface of the femur (facies poplitea).
- Posterior part of the knee joint capsule, into which the oblique popliteal ligament blends; in clinical and topographical anatomy, it is also known as the Winslow—Bourgery ligament.
- Popliteus muscle (m. popliteus), originating from the lateral condyle of the femur.
Adjacent structures and clinical significance
The contents of the popliteal fossa are arranged in a typical order from superficial to deep:
- Superficially run the small saphenous vein (v. saphena parva) and the medial sural cutaneous nerve.
- Deeper lies the tibial nerve (n. tibialis), and lateral and deep to it is the common fibular nerve (n. fibularis communis).
- Lying even deeper is the popliteal vein (v. poplitea).
- The deepest position is occupied by the popliteal artery (a. poplitea).
Aneurysms and Baker's cysts can compress the tibial nerve or popliteal vein, causing pain and lower leg edema.
Class and exam questions
Which group of knee joint ligaments does the oblique popliteal ligament belong to?
It belongs to the extracapsular ligaments of the knee joint. Its main function is to reinforce the posterior wall of the joint capsule.
The continuation of which structure is the lig. popliteum obliquum?
It is a continuation of the lateral bundle of the semimembranosus tendon (m. semimembranosus), which splits into three parts distally.
What topographical region's formation does this ligament participate in?
The oblique popliteal ligament, together with the posterior surface of the femur and the popliteus muscle, forms the floor of the popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea).
What is another name for the oblique popliteal ligament?
In anatomical literature, it also bears the eponymous name — the Winslow—Bourgery ligament.
What else to study on this topic
- Knee joint (articulatio genus)
- Semimembranosus muscle (m. semimembranosus)
- Popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea)
- Arcuate popliteal ligament (lig. popliteum arcuatum)
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