Anterolateral rotatory instability

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Anterolateral rotatory instability is an excessive internal rotation of the tibia on the femur when the knee is bent, leading to excessive opening of the joint at the outer (lateral ) side. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

anterolateral cornerThe area affected by anterolateral rotatory instability is the region at the front of the knee on the outer side.

What is the significance of anterolateral rotatory instability?

The finding of anterolateral rotatory instability implies damage to the anterior cruciate also involving one or several other structures:

Peer-reviewed papers

  • Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

    "....Rotatory instability of the knee represents the main reason for failure and poor clinical outcomes regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques. It is now clear that the anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee possesses a fundamental role, in association with the ACL, in controlling internal rotation...."

    Citation: Sabatini L, Capella M, Vezza D, Barberis L, Camazzola D, Risitano S, Drocco L, Massè A. Anterolateral complex of the knee: State of the art. World J Orthop. 2022 Aug 18;13(8):679-692. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i8.679. PMID: 36159618; PMCID: PMC9453282.

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