Medial Knee Capsular Ligament

ligamentum capsulare mediale genus

The medial capsular ligament is the deep medial knee stabiliser, comprising the meniscofemoral and meniscotibial components (coronary ligament) that tether the medial meniscus to the tibia and femur. It lies deep to the superficial MCL and provides the deep medial stability that the MCL cannot alone provide. Grade III MCL tears involve both the superficial MCL and the deep capsular ligament.

Region: Knee

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Medial femoral condyle (deep to the MCL)
Insertion	Medial tibial plateau and medial meniscus periphery

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Provides deep medial knee stability; tethers the medial meniscus to the tibia and femur

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Deep medial capsular ligament tears produce posteromedial joint line tenderness and increased medial joint opening on valgus stress in extension (when the MCL is partially taut). MRI distinguishes superficial MCL from deep capsular tears and identifies associated medial meniscal ramp lesions at the meniscotibial component.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Deep MCL Complex Tear

Combined superficial MCL and deep capsular ligament injury producing increased valgus laxity at 0 and 30 degrees requiring combined reconstruction for Grade III instability.