The coronary ligaments (meniscotibial ligaments) anchor the peripheral margins of both menisci to the tibial plateau through short fibrous bands. They allow the menisci to translate posteriorly during knee flexion (posterior translation of approximately 5 mm medially and 11 mm laterally) while preventing excessive meniscal displacement. Coronary ligament sprain produces well-localised joint line pain without meniscal tear.
| Origin | Tibial plateau margins (meniscal rim level) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Inferior margin of the medial and lateral menisci |
| Actions | Attach the peripheral menisci to the tibial plateau; allow meniscal motion during knee flexion-extension while limiting excessive displacement |
|---|
Coronary ligament sprain is an underdiagnosed cause of knee joint line pain that follows an ankle sprain or rotational knee injury without evidence of meniscal pathology on MRI. Point tenderness at the joint line just medial or lateral to the ligament proper and MRI showing coronary ligament oedema without meniscal signal confirm the diagnosis. It heals completely with 6 to 8 weeks of conservative management.
Meniscotibial ligament injury producing joint line pain without meniscal pathology on MRI managed conservatively over 6 to 8 weeks.
