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Function of the Anterior Intermeniscal Ligament.
Trent M Guess1,2, Swithin S Razu3, Keiichi Kuroki4
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
The Journal of Knee Surgery
|March 30, 2017
Summary
The anterior intermeniscal ligament (AIML) significantly impacts knee biomechanics and sensorimotor control. This ligament contains extensive neural elements, suggesting its primary role is neurologic.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The anterior intermeniscal ligament (AIML) of the knee has an unclear function and significance.
- Understanding the AIML's role is crucial for knee biomechanics and sensorimotor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biomechanical and sensorimotor functions of the AIML.
- To investigate the AIML's influence on knee joint mechanics and neural feedback.
Main Methods:
- Computational analysis of AIML and tibiomeniscofemoral biomechanics under dynamic loading.
- Histologic and immunohistochemical examination to identify neural elements in AIML tissue.
- Models based on two female subjects' anatomy and motion; histology from 10 cadaveric knees.
Main Results:
- AIML strain increases with compressive knee loading; tibial external rotation unloads the AIML.
- Extensive neural elements were identified throughout AIML tissue across all anatomical types.
- AIML loss decreases meniscal load sharing, negatively impacting knee biomechanics.
Conclusions:
- The AIML plays a significant biomechanical and neurologic role in knee sensorimotor function.
- The primary function of the AIML may be its neurologic contribution to knee stability and control.