Posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle
Fasciculus popliteomeniscalis posterior inferior
Definition
The posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicle (piPMF), which is present in some knees, extends from the medial aponeurotic extension of the popliteus musculotendinous region to the inferomedial aspect of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus.[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.
