The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee in Pediatric Patients: What Do We Know? A Scoping Review

Abstract

The knowledge on the anatomy, function and biomechanics and the role of surgical procedures on the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is still controversial. Only a few papers have examined the ALL in children. The aim of this review is to analyze all the available literature about ALL in the pediatric population. Following the PRISMA criteria, the literature was systematically reviewed, examining all the articles about ALL in pediatric patients. Eight articles were involved in this study. Five cadaveric studies, two diagnostic studies, and one cross-sectional study were found. The identification of the ALL is not always possible in diagnostic studies using magnetic resonance (MRI) or in dissecting specimens. A high variability in the presence of the ligament and in its origin and insertion were found among the studies. It is more difficult to identify the ligament in younger patients than in older children, suggesting that its presence may develop at some point during the growth. Further studies are needed for a detailed knowledge of the ALL.