[An arthroscopic study on the anterior intermeniscal ligament]

An arthroscopic study was made on the presence and anatomic features of the anterior intermeniscal ligament with regard to its thickness and attachment patterns to the anterior horn of the menisci, together with its relationship with associated non-traumatic intraarticular disorders of the knee.

This multicenter study included 136 consecutive patients (80 males, 56 females; mean age 40 years; range 15 to 74 years) in whom the presence of anterior intermeniscal ligament was sought during arthroscopic examination of the knee. Arthroscopic features of the ligament was evaluated by probe.

The anterior intermeniscal ligament was detected in 80 knees (58.8%). Its presence did not differ significantly with respect to sex (33 females, 58.9%; 47 males, 58.8%; p>0.05). A cord-like appearance was observed in 19 cases (14%), whereas a membranous-like structure was identified in 61 cases (44.9%), 34 (55.7%) of which could only be detected following synovial abrasion. Attachment patterns according to the Nelson and LaPrade's description showed type A in 47 cases (58.8%), type B in 23 cases (28.8%), and type C in 10 cases (12.5%). Type A was more common among cord-like intermeniscal ligaments, although this did not reach significance (p>0.05). No significant association was found between the presence of the ligament and intraarticular disorders. The detection of discoid lateral meniscus was significantly associated with the presence of a cord-like intermeniscal ligament (p<0.05). Of eight cases with discoid lateral meniscus (5 complete, 3 incomplete), five patients exhibited a cord-like anterior intermeniscal ligament.

This is the first arthroscopic study to define the anatomy and the incidence of the anterior intermeniscal ligament. Functional features of the ligament should be more clearly demonstrated biomechanically.