Meniscofemoral ligament

Meniscofemoral ligament is a ligament in the knee that connects the meniscus to the femur. It is divided into two parts: the anterior meniscofemoral ligament and the posterior meniscofemoral ligament.

Anatomy

The meniscofemoral ligament is located in the posterior part of the knee joint. It originates from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and inserts into the medial part of the medial condyle of the femur. The ligament is divided into two parts: the anterior meniscofemoral ligament (also known as Ligament of Humphrey) and the posterior meniscofemoral ligament (also known as Ligament of Wrisberg).

Function

The meniscofemoral ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint. It helps to prevent excessive movement of the lateral meniscus, thus protecting it from injury. Additionally, it assists in the distribution of load across the knee joint.

Clinical significance

Injury to the meniscofemoral ligament can lead to instability of the knee joint and pain. It can be caused by direct trauma, such as a sports injury, or by degenerative changes in the knee joint. Diagnosis is usually made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show the ligament's structure and any damage to it. Treatment may involve physiotherapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.

See also

• Knee
• Ligament
• Meniscus (anatomy)
• Ligament of Humphrey
• Ligament of Wrisberg