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Ligament Knee

Ligament of Humphrey (Anterior Meniscofemoral)

ligamentum meniscofemorale anterius

The ligament of Humphrey is the anterior meniscofemoral ligament, passing from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, in front of the PCL, to the lateral surface of the medial femoral condyle. Its reported prevalence varies widely (roughly a third to a half of knees), and it often coexists with the posterior ligament of Wrisberg. It assists PCL function and restrains the lateral meniscus. On MRI its rounded profile anterior to the PCL can be mistaken for a bucket-handle meniscal fragment or loose body.

Anatomical Data

Attachments

OriginLateral meniscus posterior horn
InsertionMedial femoral condyle, passes anterior to the PCL
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Assists PCL in resisting posterior tibial translation
  • restrains lateral meniscus posterior horn

Helps stabilise the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus and acts as a secondary restraint to posterior tibial translation.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The ligaments of Humphrey and Wrisberg are the two meniscofemoral ligaments that stabilise the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the femur. Most knees have at least one of them, but either may be absent as a normal variant, so absence on MRI does not indicate pathology. They provide accessory restraint to posterior tibial translation, which may partly explain why some isolated PCL tears cause less disability than expected. They should be identified before PCL reconstruction or posterior meniscal repair so they are not mistaken for a PCL remnant.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Meniscofemoral Ligament MRI Mimic

Ligament of Humphrey appearing as a rounded structure anterior to the PCL on MRI, mimicking a bucket-handle meniscal tear fragment, a normal variant.

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