Lateral approach to the knee

access to all supporting structures of lateral aspect of the knee

can be extended to an intraarticular approach

ligament damage

inside out lateral mensical repair

internervous between

iliotibial band (superior gluteal nerve)

fascial aponeuros of gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae

biceps femoris tendon (sciatic nerve)

common peroneal nerve

lies on posterior border of biceps femoris

lateral suprior genicular artery

runs between lateral head of gastroc and posterolateral corner

need to ligate carefully

popliteus tendon

runs within joint before attaching to posterior aspect of meniscus and femur

if performing a posterior arthrotomy be careful

supine with bump under affected side

exsanguinate

long curved incision (length depends on procedure)

begin 3 cm lateral to edge of patella

pass distally over Gerdy's tubercle

extend 4 to 5cm past joint line

mobilize skin flaps widely

incise fascia over ITB and biceps femoris (avoid common peroneal on posterior border of biceps femoris)

retract ITB anterior and BF posteriorly to expose superficial lateral ligament (fibular collateral ligament)

retract lateral head of gastrocnemius posteriorly

enter joint anterior of posterior to superficial lateral ligament