Anatomical and Morphometric Study of the Pes Anserine Tendons in the Knee

Abstract

Introduction: The anatomical and topographical study of insertion of the pes anserinus is of fundamental importance for obtaining autogenous grafts in knee ligament reconstruction. Aim: To evaluate the topographical parameters of insertion of the pes anserinus in the medial region of the knee. Materials and Methods: Seven cadavers were selected for bilateral analysis of the knees. The following measurements were obtained with a digital caliper: 1) bilateral distance from the articular surface of the medial tibial plateau to the superior border of the pes anserinus tendons; 2) bilateral distance from the anterior tuberosity of the tibia to the insertion of the pes anserinus; 3) bilateral distance from the insertion of the pes anserinus tendons to their respective vínculas tendíneas. The data were analysed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey’s test using the BioEstat 5.3 software. Results: There was no significant difference in the measures of the pes anserinus tendons in relation to the medial joint line. Bilateral analysis showed variation in the distance between the anterior tuberosity of the tibia and insertion of the pes anserinus (p=0.2923), as well as in the distance between the insertion of the tendons and their respective vínculas (p<0.01). Conclusion: The distance between the flexor tendons and medial tibial articular surface is a safe anatomical parameter. In this respect, the tendon of the semitendinous muscle exhibits less anatomical variation and greater reliability for providing autogenous grafts in knee ligament repair

Keywords

• autogenous grafts
• knee
• knee ligament repair
• tendon