Posterior meniscofemoral ligament (of Wrisberg)

The posterior meniscofemoral ligament or ligament of Wrisberg is one of the two variably present bands of the meniscofemoral ligament.

Gross anatomy

The posterior meniscofemoral ligament has insertions proximally at the lateral intercondylar aspect of the medial femoral condyle and distally at the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, running posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ^1,2. The posterior meniscofemoral ligament attaches superior to the PCL, whereas the anterior meniscofemoral ligament attaches inferiorly, with the posterior meniscofemoral ligament's attachment also being relatively posterior to the anterior meniscofemoral ligament ¹.

Function

The meniscofemoral ligament has been shown to improve tibiofemoral joint congruence and contact area in the lateral compartments ¹. It has been reported that while that the anterior meniscofemoral ligament develops tension during knee flexion, the posterior meniscofemoral ligament develops tension during knee extension ^3,4 indicating that they may contribute differing amounts to meniscal stability through the range of motion through the knee. This meniscal stability is especially important in posterior lateral meniscal root tears ⁵. The meniscofemoral ligament also has a protective role in the case of PCL injury, and has a secondary role in preventing posterior translation of the tibia ^1,2.

Variant anatomy

The prevalence of a posterior meniscofemoral ligament has been reported to be ~65% (range 60-70%).^2,6

Radiographic features

MRI

This ligament may be visualized in coronal (as an oblique longitudinal hypointense structure) and sagittal planes (as a small, round and hypointense structure located just posterior to the PCL) ^ref. 

Related pathology

• meniscofemoral ligament tear, commonly known as a Wrisberg rip ⁷

• may be mistaken for intra-articular loose bodies, meniscal tears, or rare meniscal anatomy variations ^7,8