Transverse ligament of knee
Ligamentum transversum genus
- Synonym: Transverse genicular ligament
Definition
The transverse ligament of the knee (transverse genicular ligament), is an anatomical structure that connects the anterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. This ligament is present in approximately 55% of knee joints, as identified in a cadaveric study. [1]
Morphometrically, the transverse ligament has a mean length of 35.4 mm and a width of 2.5 mm. It is located close to the anterior attachment site of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on the tibia, with a mean distance of 2.5 mm between these structures.[1] The ligament is slightly taut in knee extension and lax in flexion, and it does not exhibit significant tension with lateral, medial, or rotational forces applied to the knee.[1]
The transverse ligament can serve as a landmark for the tibial sagittal insertions of the ACL, coinciding with the anterior edge of the ACL tibial footprint in the sagittal plane.[2] This anatomical relationship is clinically relevant for procedures such as ACL reconstruction, where accurate positioning of the tibial tunnel is crucial.
Overall, the transverse ligament of the knee plays a minimal role in the biomechanical function of the knee joint and may be considered a vestigial structure.[1]
References
1.The Transverse Genicular Ligament: Anatomical Study and Review of the Literature.Tubbs RS, Michelson J, Loukas M, et al.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2008;30(1):5-9. doi:10.1007/s00276-007-0275-4.
2.The Transverse Ligament as a Landmark for Tibial Sagittal Insertions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Cadaveric Study.Kongcharoensombat W, Ochi M, Abouheif M, et al.Arthroscopy : The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery : Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association. 2011;27(10):1395-9. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2011.05.019.
