oblique popliteal ligament oblique popliteal ligament the oblique popliteal ligament (posterior ligament) is a broad, flat, fibrous band on the posterior knee representing an expansion of the tendon of the semimembranosus muscle. it attaches onto the intercondylar fossa and lateral condyle of the femur. oblique popliteal ligamentright knee-joint. posterior view. (oblique popliteal ligament visible at center.)detailsfromlateral epicondyle of the femur, lateral condyle of femurtomedial condyle of tibiaidentifierslatinligamentum popliteum obliquumta98a03.6.08.013ta21899fma44582anatomical terminology anatomy the oblique popliteal ligament is formed as a lateral expansion of the tendon of the semimembranosus muscle and represents one of the muscle's five insertions. the ligament blends with the posterior portion of the knee joint capsule. the ligament passes superiorly and laterally to attach to the intercondylar fossa and lateral condyle of the femur. structure the ligament is formed of fasciculi separated from one another by apertures for the passage of vessels and nerves. relations the oblique popliteal ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal fossa; the popliteal artery lies upon the ligament. the ligament is pierced by posterior division of the obturator nerve, as well as the middle genicular nerve, the middle genicular artery, and the middle genicular vein. clinical significance the oblique popliteal ligament may be damaged, causing a valgus deformity. surgical repair of the ligament often leads to better outcomes than conservative management. the oblique popliteal ligament may be cut during arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery. additional images sagittal section of right knee-joint.