Meniscofibular Ligament

ligamentum meniscofibulare (posterior)

The meniscofibular ligament (posterior lateral meniscotibial ligament or lateral meniscofibular ligament) is the posterior attachment of the lateral meniscus posterior horn to the fibular head or to the posterolateral capsule in the posterolateral corner. It represents the posterior tethering of the lateral meniscus, working alongside the popliteofibular ligament to maintain posterior horn position. When present as a distinct structure, it runs from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the fibular styloid.

Region: Knee

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Posteriorly tethers the lateral meniscus to the fibular head and posterolateral capsule, limiting excessive posterior translation of the lateral meniscal posterior horn during knee flexion beyond what the popliteofibular ligament and joint capsule provide.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The meniscofibular ligament is encountered in posterolateral corner surgery: when the PLC is reconstructed after combined ACL and PLC injury, the popliteofibular and meniscofibular attachments to the fibular head are included in the reconstruction anatomy. In lateral meniscal posterior horn root repairs, the posterior meniscofibular attachments must be considered when mobilising the posterior horn for root repair access. MRI demonstrates this structure as a band between the posterior horn and the fibular head in the posterolateral corner.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Meniscofibular Ligament in Posterolateral Corner Anatomy

The posterior lateral meniscus is anchored to the fibular head by the meniscofibular ligament as part of the posterolateral corner complex; combined ACL and PLC injury disrupts both ligamentous systems and requires staged reconstruction addressing the meniscofibular anatomy to restore posterolateral corner stability.