Anatomical Identification of the Meniscofibular Ligament on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopy, and Its Relationship With the Intrinsic Structures of the Knee
M.P. De Arruda, V.A. Machado, O.D. Meyer, A.D.A.E. Castro, N.G. Oliveira Filho, M. CohenObjective:
To identify the meniscofibular ligament (MFL) in arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the posterolateral corner region in patients with knee injuries, associating it with intrinsic structures.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study with 159 patients undergoing MRI and/or arthroscopy. MRI was evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Patients with surgical indication underwent diagnostic arthroscopy, always performed by the same surgeon.
Results:
The MFL was visible in 60% of lateral meniscus lesions and predominantly partial in medial meniscus lesions or without associated lesions. Inter-rater agreement was 81.1% (p=0.0018). The mean length of the MFL was 18.20 mm and the mean thickness 1.07 mm, with excellent replicability for length (ICC=0.79) and average for thickness (ICC=0.57).
Conclusion:
The LMF was frequently identified in lateral meniscus injuries, with high agreement between evaluators, reinforcing its role in the assessment of the posterolateral corner of the knee.