open access

Vol 80, No 3 (2021)
Original article
Submitted: 2020-05-24
Accepted: 2020-09-28
Published online: 2020-10-15
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Menisco-fibular ligament — an overview: cadaveric dissection, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis, arthroscopic visualisation and treatment

U. E. Zdanowicz12, B. Ciszkowska-Łysoń1, P. Krajewski3, B. Ciszek4, S. F. Badylak1
·
Pubmed: 33084006
·
Folia Morphol 2021;80(3):683-690.
Affiliations
  1. Carolina Medical Center, Warsaw, Poland
  2. McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine University of Pittsburgh, PA, United States
  3. Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
  4. Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

open access

Vol 80, No 3 (2021)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2020-05-24
Accepted: 2020-09-28
Published online: 2020-10-15

Abstract

Background: Injury to the menisco-fibular ligament (MFiL) is not commonly recognised. The anatomy of the lateral meniscus is complex and structure-function relationships are only partly understood. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the MFiL, an anatomic structure rarely discussed that stabilises the lateral meniscus at the level of the hiatus popliteus and may have a crucial role in pathology of lateral meniscus injury.
Materials and methods: The MFiL was dissected from its attachment at the lateral meniscus to its insertion on fibular head in 12 human normal cadaver knees. The dimensions were determined and its anatomic position visualised throughout a 90° range of motion. Findings were documented on digital photographs and on video. Results were compared against the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the injured MFiL in 20 patients. Concomitant knee injuries in those patients were also analysed to determine the most frequent pattern of injuries.
Results: The normal MFiL showed an inverted trapezoid-shape with a mean width proximally of 13 mm, mean width distally of 8.5 mm and a mean length of 18.4 mm. MRI visualisation of the ligament was possible even in regular sequences; however, additional radial plane sequences were also used. Arthroscopic visualisation and manipulation was optimal when the camera was inserted into the postero-lateral gutter with full knee extension.
Conclusions: The MFiL stabilises the postero-lateral knee in concert with the menisco-femoral ligaments. Injury to the MFiL can be a cause of chronic postero-lateral pain syndrome with associated instability. Further anatomical and biomechanical studies are needed in order to fully evaluate its importance.

Abstract

Background: Injury to the menisco-fibular ligament (MFiL) is not commonly recognised. The anatomy of the lateral meniscus is complex and structure-function relationships are only partly understood. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the MFiL, an anatomic structure rarely discussed that stabilises the lateral meniscus at the level of the hiatus popliteus and may have a crucial role in pathology of lateral meniscus injury.
Materials and methods: The MFiL was dissected from its attachment at the lateral meniscus to its insertion on fibular head in 12 human normal cadaver knees. The dimensions were determined and its anatomic position visualised throughout a 90° range of motion. Findings were documented on digital photographs and on video. Results were compared against the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the injured MFiL in 20 patients. Concomitant knee injuries in those patients were also analysed to determine the most frequent pattern of injuries.
Results: The normal MFiL showed an inverted trapezoid-shape with a mean width proximally of 13 mm, mean width distally of 8.5 mm and a mean length of 18.4 mm. MRI visualisation of the ligament was possible even in regular sequences; however, additional radial plane sequences were also used. Arthroscopic visualisation and manipulation was optimal when the camera was inserted into the postero-lateral gutter with full knee extension.
Conclusions: The MFiL stabilises the postero-lateral knee in concert with the menisco-femoral ligaments. Injury to the MFiL can be a cause of chronic postero-lateral pain syndrome with associated instability. Further anatomical and biomechanical studies are needed in order to fully evaluate its importance.

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Keywords

menisco-fibular ligament, lateral meniscus, anatomy, knee, arthroscopy, postero-lateral corner

About this article
Title

Menisco-fibular ligament — an overview: cadaveric dissection, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis, arthroscopic visualisation and treatment

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 80, No 3 (2021)

Article type

Original article

Pages

683-690

Published online

2020-10-15

Page views

7136

Article views/downloads

1516

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2020.0127

Pubmed

33084006

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2021;80(3):683-690.

Keywords

menisco-fibular ligament
lateral meniscus
anatomy
knee
arthroscopy
postero-lateral corner

Authors

U. E. Zdanowicz
B. Ciszkowska-Łysoń
P. Krajewski
B. Ciszek
S. F. Badylak

References (12)
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  9. Obaid H, Gartner L, Haydar AA, et al. The meniscofibular ligament: an MRI study. Eur J Radiol. 2010; 73(1): 159–161.
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