The popliteomeniscal fascicles (PMF) are synovial ligamentous structures connecting the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the popliteus tendon thus stabilizing the lateral meniscus. They form the popliteal hiatus and include the following:
- anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle
- posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle
- posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle
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Gross anatomy
There are some inconsistencies in the literature concerning the exact number of popliteomeniscal fascicles with the far majority reporting an anteroinferior and posterosuperior fascicle 1-3 and several other studies describing an additional third posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle 1,2.
The anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle has been described with variable thickness 4. It forms the lateral aspect of the floor of the popliteal hiatus connecting the body of the lateral meniscus coursing to the musculotendinous unit of the popliteus muscle and blends laterally with the popliteofibular ligament inserting at the styloid process of the fibular head 1-4.
The posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle connects the upper margin of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the popliteus tendon and the posterior joint capsule thus forming the roof of the popliteal hiatus 1-3.
The posteroinferior politeomeniscal fascicle connects the anterior popliteus fascia running in a medial direction to the lower edge of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus in close proximity to the Wrisberg ligament 1,2.
Variant anatomy
The posteroinferior politeomeniscal fascicle seems to be only variably present in up to 40% of cases 4.
Radiographic features
MRI
The posterosuperior and anteroinferior fascicles can be usually easily identified on sagittal and coronal MR images as thin hypointense ligamentous structures connecting the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the popliteus musculotendinous complex 2,3.
The posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle is more difficult to identify and is variably present 4.
Related pathology
A tear of the posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicles indicates meniscal tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus 1. Other associated pathologies include the following 2: