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Mechanoreceptors observed in a ligamentous structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament

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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

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.

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Availability of data and materials

The datasets used in the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

ACL:

Anterior cruciate ligament

H and E:

Haematoxylin and Eosin

LMCL:

Lateral meniscocruciate ligament

MFL:

Meniscofemoral ligament

PCL:

Posterior cruciate ligament

PHLM:

Posterior horn of the lateral meniscus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, Dr. H. vd Hoffplein 1, 6162 AG, Sittard Geleen, The Netherlands

    Baris B. Koc & Edwin J. P. Jansen

  2. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Paul van Dijk & Arno Lataster

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Pieter J. Emans

Authors
  1. Baris B. Koc
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  2. Edwin J. P. Jansen
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  3. Paul van Dijk
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  4. Pieter J. Emans
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  5. Arno Lataster
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Correspondence to Baris B. Koc.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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The donors were donated to the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands for the purpose of scientific research and education. A handwritten and signed codicil was achieved from all donors.

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Koc, B.B., Jansen, E.J.P., van Dijk, P. et al. Mechanoreceptors observed in a ligamentous structure between the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 29, 1701–1708 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06191-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06191-2

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