Lower limb

Popliteal ligaments of the knee (Oblique and arcuate popliteal ligaments)

Ligamentum popliteum obliquum et ligamentum popliteum arcuatum

Origin

Recurrent expansion from semimembranosus tendon (oblique) and fibular head apex (arcuate)

Insertion

Lateral femoral condyle and posterior intercondylar capsule

Function

Reinforces the posterior and posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, resisting hyperextension and tibial external rotation

Innervation

Tibial nerve (L4–S2)

Movement & chain

Becomes fully taut in knee extension and hyperextension

Palpation

Deep popliteal fossa, non-palpable

Clinical

Posterolateral corner (PLC) instability (positive Dial test); hyperextension soft-tissue disruption; Popliteal (Baker's) cyst development.

Segmental innervation

L4–S2

In clinical practice

Dial test at 30° and 90° flexion, PLC reconstruction protocols, and hamstring-quadriceps co-contraction training

Region in the model

Lower limb