Transverse Ligament of the Knee

Description

The transverse ligament is marked as well as the medial and lateral meniscus, ACL, PCL and Ligament of Wrisberg

Illustration of the transverse ligament of the knee

Name

• Transverse Ligament of the Knee
• Anterior meniscomeniscal ligament
• Transverse meniscal ligament of Winslow
• Ligamentum transversum genus
• Transverse genicular ligament

General

• Connects the anterior convex margin of the lateral meniscus to the anterior end of the medial meniscus
• Located posterior to hoffas fat pad
• Average length of 3 to 4 cm
• Varies in thickness, sometimes absent

Classification

• Type 1
  • Attached to the anterior horn of the medial meniscus, anterior margin of the lateral meniscus
• Type 2
  • Attached medially to the anterior margin of the medial meniscus, laterally to the joint capsule
• Type 3
  • Attached primarily into the joint capsule
• Also has been found attached to the periosteum of the upper anterior border of the tibia

Function

• When knee is extended, prevents anterior horns of meniscus from moving forward
• Prevents condylar surfaces of femur and tibia from exerting pressure on meniscus
• Restricting effect on anterior-posterior excursion of the anterior horn of medial meniscus at lower degrees of flexion

Epidemiology

• Reported to be present in between 3% and 94% of persons, depending on study cited

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Clinical Significance

• Transverse Ligament Tear

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See Also

• Knee Anatomy Main
• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee

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