Anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle
Fasciculus popliteomeniscalis anterior inferior
Definition
The anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle (aiPMF) attaches from the lateral meniscus to the popliteus tendon and is variable in thickness. It forms a conjoined fibular attachment with the popliteofibular ligament.[1]
The popliteomeniscal fascicles (PMFs) of the knee are structures that contribute to the stability of the lateral meniscus. There are three primary popliteomeniscal fascicles: the anteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle (aiPMF), the posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle (psPMF), and the posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle (piPMF). These fascicles course obliquely and attach to the periphery of the lateral meniscus, forming the popliteal hiatus. The popliteal hiatus is a key anatomical feature that allows for the passage of the popliteus tendon and contributes to the dynamic stability of the lateral meniscus.[2]
References
1.Popliteomeniscal Fascicles: Anatomic Considerations Using MR Arthrography in Cadavers.Peduto AJ, Nguyen A, Trudell DJ, Resnick DL.AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2008;190(2):442-8. doi:10.2214/AJR.07.2643.
2.Morphology of the Popliteomeniscal Fascicles Around the Popliteal Hiatus on Three-Dimensional Images Reconstructed From 7 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Cadaveric Study.Tajima G, Kaneko H, Oikawa R, et al.The Knee. 2024;51:136-144. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2024.08.018.
3.Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Posterolateral Meniscal Anatomy: Defining the Popliteal Hiatus, Popliteomeniscal Fascicles, and the Lateral Meniscotibial Ligament.Aman ZS, DePhillipo NN, Storaci HW, et al.The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;47(8):1797-1803. doi:10.1177/0363546519849933.
