Transverse geniculate ligament of the knee: appearance and frequency on plain radiographs

The aims of the study were to determine the frequency of visualization of the normal transverse geniculate ligament (TGL) of the knee on lateral plain radiographs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference, and to determine features that make this ligament apparent on plain radiographs. 50 consecutive lateral plain radiographs and sagittal T1-weighted images of corresponding knees were evaluated prospectively. A TGL was considered visualized on plain radiographs when an opacity of soft-tissue density was apparent in the posterior part of the Hoffa's fat pad. The TGL was identified in 29 of the 50 (58%) sagittal MR images; a TGL was observed on the lateral plain radiographs of six patients (12%). Correlation with the MR images showed that, when visualized on plain radiographs, the ligament is at least 3 mm thick and completely surrounded by fat. Our study shows that the TGL is a normal variant that can be recognized frequently on lateral plain radiographs of the knee.