Medial Meniscotibial Ligament of the Knee: A Step by-Step Dissection

Abstract

Abstract Objective Considerable attention has been paid to meniscotibial ligaments (MTLs), also known as coronary ligaments, especially after the “Save the Meniscus” initiative gained importance among knee surgeons. Technically challenging, the diagnosis and treatment of ramp lesion show the importance of MTLs. These ligaments were discovered long ago, but their contribution to knee stability has only recently been studied and still lacks information. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe step-by-step an dissection technique of the medial MTL, efficient, reproducible and that may lead to further research. Method Twenty fresh cadaver knees were used, with no preference for sex or age. The knees were dissected using the same technique standardized by our team. Each dissection step was recorded digitally. Results The medial MTL was found in all 20 knees studied using the aforementioned technique. In our sample, the medial MTL exhibited an average length of 70.0 ± 13.4 mm and width of 32.25 ± 3.09 mm, thickness of 35.3 ± 2.7 mm and weight of 0.672 ± 0.134 g. In all the cases, the medial MTL originated proximally and deeply to the deep MTL in the tibia. Conclusion We describe a simple effective and reproducible medial MTL dissection technique that makes it possible to identify the ligament over the entire medial extension of the knee.

Keywords

• ligaments
• menisci, tibial
• dissection