Role of the Meniscofemoral Ligaments in the Stability of the Posterior Lateral Meniscus Root After Injury in the ACL-Deficient Knee.

» Injuries to the posterior root of the lateral meniscus occur frequently in acute knee injuries with concomitant tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). » The meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs), consisting of the anterior MFL (ligament of Humphrey) and the posterior MFL (ligament of Wrisberg), as well as the osseous attachment of the meniscal root, stabilize the lateral meniscus, enabling appropriate load transmission and maintenance of contact forces within the lateral compartment of the knee during loading and range of motion. » In the setting of an ACL injury to the knee with osseous root injury of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus, the MFLs (when present) may stabilize the lateral meniscus against meniscal extrusion, thereby maintaining appropriate contact mechanics within the knee, decreasing the risk of subsequent chondral and meniscal injury and the development of premature osteoarthritis. » Additional study on the indications for posterior meniscal root repair during ACL reconstruction is warranted since the ideal management of lateral root injury in the MFL-intact knee remains unknown.