Baris B Koc1, Edwin J P Jansen2, Paul van Dijk3, Pieter J Emans4, Arno Lataster3. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, Dr. H. vd Hoffplein 1, 6162 AG, Sittard Geleen, The Netherlands. b.koc@zuyderland.nl. 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, Dr. H. vd Hoffplein 1, 6162 AG, Sittard Geleen, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
PURPOSE: A histological study of a structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament. METHODS: Bilateral fresh-frozen cadaveric knees of two male donors (age 71 and 76 years) with no history of prior knee injury were examined. All dissections were performed by one experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining was used to reveal tissue morphology. Goldner trichrome staining was used to evaluate the connective tissue. S100 and PGP 9.5 labelling were used for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: In all cadaveric knees, a structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament was identified. Histological analysis confirmed the ligamentous nature of this structure. Furthermore, Golgi tendon organs were observed within the ligamentous structure. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing the presence of mechanoreceptors within the ligamentous structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament. The ligamentous structure could contribute to stability of the knee by providing proprioceptive input, while preservation of the ligamentous structure might ensure a better functional outcome after surgery.
PURPOSE: A histological study of a structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament. METHODS: Bilateral fresh-frozen cadaveric knees of two male donors (age 71 and 76 years) with no history of prior knee injury were examined. All dissections were performed by one experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining was used to reveal tissue morphology. Goldner trichrome staining was used to evaluate the connective tissue. S100 and PGP 9.5 labelling were used for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: In all cadaveric knees, a structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament was identified. Histological analysis confirmed the ligamentous nature of this structure. Furthermore, Golgi tendon organs were observed within the ligamentous structure. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing the presence of mechanoreceptors within the ligamentous structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament. The ligamentous structure could contribute to stability of the knee by providing proprioceptive input, while preservation of the ligamentous structure might ensure a better functional outcome after surgery.
Authors: Mohammad Hamdan; Bassem Haddad; Mohammad Ali Alshrouf; Muayad I Azzam; Ula Isleem; Reem Hamasha; Omar M Albtoush; Muna Tayel Alhusban; Nidaa Mubarak; Saif Aldeen Alryalat Journal: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil Date: 2022-06-02