Patellotibial ligament
Ligamentum patellotibiale
- Latin synonym: Ligamentum tibiopatellare
Definition
The medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) is a part in the medial patellar stabilizers (with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and medial meniscopatellar ligament). It originates from the distal pole of the patella and inserts into the proximal tibia, approximately 13.7 mm distal to the joint line. The MPTL measures about 36.4 mm in length and 7.1 mm in width. It is characterized by dense connective tissue, typical of ligaments, and is stiffer than the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL).[1]
The MPTL's insertion on the tibia is located on a bony ridge, about 5.0 mm distal to the joint line.[2] This ligament plays a secondary role in stabilizing the patella, complementing the primary restraint provided by the MPFL.[3]
References
1.Medial Patellofemoral Ligament, Medial Patellotibial Ligament, and Medial Patellomeniscal Ligament: Anatomic, Histologic, Radiographic, and Biomechanical Study.Hinckel BB, Gobbi RG, Demange MK, et al.Arthroscopy : The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery : Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association. 2017;33(10):1862-1873. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.020.
2.Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Medial Patellar Ligaments: An Anatomic and Radiographic Study.Kruckeberg BM, Chahla J, Moatshe G, et al.The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018;46(1):153-162. doi:10.1177/0363546517729818.
3.Medial Patellotibial Ligament and Medial Patellomeniscal Ligament: Anatomy, Imaging, Biomechanics, and Clinical Review.Hinckel BB, Gobbi RG, Kaleka CC, Camanho GL, Arendt EA.Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy : Official Journal of the ESSKA. 2018;26(3):685-696. doi:10.1007/s00167-017-4469-y.
