Posterior horn of lateral meniscus

The posterior horn of the lateral meniscus is the posterior segment of the lateral meniscus, a C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure in the knee.

The posterior horn is anchored to the tibia via the posterior root, which most commonly inserts at the posterior intertubercular area of the tibial plateau, just posteromedial to the tibial attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and may also have a secondary attachment to the posterior slope of the lateral tibial eminence. Variability exists, with single, double, or even triple root insertions observed in high-resolution imaging studies.

The posterior horn is intimately associated with several key structures: the popliteus tendon passes through the popliteal hiatus adjacent to the posterior horn, creating a tunnel-like relationship, and the meniscotibial ligament attaches to its posteroinferior aspect. The superior margin of the posterior horn is confluent with the posterolateral capsule, and popliteomeniscal fascicles connect the meniscus to the capsule around the popliteal synovial sheath.

The meniscofemoral ligaments (ligament of Wrisberg and Humphrey) may also be present, attaching the posterior horn to the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle.

Histologically, the posterior horn consists of dense, circumferentially oriented collagen fibers, with microstructural integrity critical for load transmission and joint stability.