ISSN:
1279-8517
Keywords:
Semimembranosus m.
;
Lateral meniscus
;
Anatomy
;
MRI
;
Oblique popliteal ligament
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Forty-two cadaver knees were used for morphologic and MRI observations of the tendinous distal expansions of the semimembranosus m. and the posterior capsular structures of the knee. A tendinous branch of the semimembranosus m. inserting into the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was found in 43.2% of the knees dissected, besides five already known insertional branches; capsular, direct, anterior and inferior, as well as the oblique popliteal ligament. The tendon had three morphologic types; thin, broad and round. All three types moved the lateral meniscus posteriorly when pulled on. Thus, the semimembranosus m. may also have a protective function for the lateral meniscus as well as the already well established function of protecting the medial meniscus in knee flexion. When a semimembranosus tendon attachment to the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus is present, its normal insertion is difficult to differentiate from a lateral meniscus tear in MRI and this may cause misdiagnosis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-997-0365-3
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