Dr. Robert F. LaPrade was Recently Featured on Dr. Christoph Agten’s YouTube Presentation

PD Dr. Christoph Agten, an MSK radiologist and mentor recently published a YouTube segment titled: “The Most Misunderstood Ligament in Radiology”

During this episode, he debunks the arcuate ligament in the knee as a misnamed structure and shows the importance of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL).

Dr. LaPrade gives expert clarification:

The arcuate ligament is an old term in radiology and orthopedics that is confused with the Popliteofibular Ligament (PFL).

In 1948 the arcuate ligament was given a new name. Arcuate means arched, which describes the ligament and its acquired name.

Dr. LaPrade clarifies that the arcuate ligament is actually the PFL and is not a separate structure. The PFL is vitally important to knee stability as it acts as a main stabilizer in the knee. He further describes the main structures in the knee that Orthopedic Surgeons worry about:

It is important to look at the main stabilizers for continuity. Dr. LaPrade always checks for bone bruising which often correlates with posterolateral corner injuries.

The arcuate ligament is a generic old(er) term and not specifically its own ligament.

You can watch the YouTube presentation featuring Dr. Robert LaPrade below.