Morphometric Evaluation of the Anterior Meniscofemoral Ligament in Human Cadaveric Knees: Anatomical Variations and Clinical Significance

TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence and anatomical variations of the anterior meniscofemoral ligament in human cadaveric knees and finds significant gender and side-specific differences.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the anatomical variations of the anterior meniscofemoral ligament across genders and knee laterality.

Findings

The aMFL was present in 62.22% of knees across both genders.

Males had significantly longer aMFL ligaments than females, while females had longer aMFL in the left knee.

Males showed wider aMFL in the right knee compared to the left.

Abstract

Introduction

The anterior meniscofemoral ligament (aMFL) is an ancillary ligament within the knee. It has been noted for its rare occurrence and role in stabilizing the lateral menisci. Despite the perceived function, the prevalence of the aMFL is not entirely understood. Additionally, the aMFL holds clinical relevance for practicing physicians when evaluating lateral and posterior knee stability. Thus, this study aims to describe the prevalence of the aMFL and its variation in length and width across genders and knee laterality in all cadavers.

Methods

This cadaveric study evaluated 90 knees in the anatomy lab at Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine. Unpaired T-tests were performed to compare mean variations in length and width between genders and knee laterality. Artificial knees and severely degenerated knees were excluded. Exclusion criteria pertained to samples with a history of osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty, or signs of severe tissue degeneration. Dissection was performed using a single transverse cut method with soft tissue extraction. This was done anteriorly with the knee at a 140° flexion angle. Calibrated digital calipers measured length and width.

Results

A total of 90 knees (45 cadavers; 28 women and 17 men) were carefully dissected. The aMFL in 61.76% of male knees (21 out of 34) and 62.5% of female knees (35 out of 56) for a total prevalence of 62.22% across both genders. Unpaired t-tests were conducted to analyze differences between the right and left knees and genders. In males, the right aMFL was found to be significantly wider than the left (p = 0.021). Conversely, in females, the left aMFL was significantly longer than the right (p = 0.0005). There was no significant difference in aMFL width between males and females (p = 0.1573); however, the length of the aMFL was significantly greater in males as compared to females (p = 0.0005).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study found a high prevalence of aMFL in both sexes, with males having significantly longer aMFL ligaments than females. No significant difference in ligament width was observed between genders. Males had wider aMFL ligaments in the right knee while females had longer aMFL in the left knee. These gender and side-specific variations may impact knee biomechanics and clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the functional implications of these findings.

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