Distal tendon of semimembranosus
Tendo distalis musculi semimembranosi
- Synonym: Distal semimembranosus tendon
- Related terms: Tendon of semimembranosus
Definition
The distal tendon of the semimembranosus muscle inserts on the proximal posteriorlateral part of tibia and on the posterior corner of the knee.
The distal tendon of the semimembranosus has a complex anatomy with multiple insertions. According to De Maeseneer et al., the distal semimembranosus tendon has six distinct insertions: the direct arm, anterior arm, posterior oblique ligament extension, oblique popliteal ligament extension, distal tibial expansion (popliteus aponeurosis), and meniscal arm. [1]
Beltran et al. further describe that the distal semimembranosus tendon divides into five tendinous arms: the anterior, direct, capsular, inferior, and the oblique popliteal ligament arms. These tendinous arms intertwine with the branches of the posterior oblique ligament, contributing to the stability of the knee joint.[2]
LaPrade et al. provide additional detail, noting that the semimembranosus tendon has eight attachments distal to the main common tendon, including a lateral expansion to the oblique popliteal ligament, a direct arm attaching to the tibia, and an anterior arm.[3]
References
1.Distal Insertions of the Semimembranosus Tendon: MR Imaging With Anatomic Correlation.De Maeseneer M, Shahabpour M, Lenchik L, et al.Skeletal Radiology. 2014;43(6):781-91. doi:10.1007/s00256-014-1830-9.
2.The Distal Semimembranosus Complex: Normal MR Anatomy, Variants, Biomechanics and Pathology.Beltran J, Matityahu A, Hwang K, et al.Skeletal Radiology. 2003;32(8):435-45. doi:10.1007/s00256-003-0641-1.
3.The Anatomy of the Posterior Aspect of the Knee. An Anatomic Study.LaPrade RF, Morgan PM, Wentorf FA, Johansen S, Engebretsen L.The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. 2007;89(4):758-64. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00120.
