Wrisberg Ligament

ligamentum meniscofemorale posterius

The Wrisberg ligament (posterior meniscofemoral ligament) is the more common of the two meniscofemoral ligaments, present in approximately 70% of knees. It runs from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus posteriorly to insert on the medial femoral condyle posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament. It is more commonly present than the Humphrey ligament and may be larger and more robust.

Region: Knee

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Prevents posterior horn lateral meniscus displacement during knee flexion, assists PCL in restraining posterior tibial translation, and may provide partial substitution in PCL-deficient knees.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The Wrisberg ligament is the primary meniscofemoral ligament in knees where it is the sole representative of this structure. In knees with a discoid lateral meniscus, the Wrisberg ligament can be involved in the Wrisberg variant of discoid meniscus, in which the discoid meniscus has no posterior tibial attachment and is instead anchored only by the Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament, producing the snapping or unstable discoid meniscus seen in children.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Wrisberg Type Discoid Lateral Meniscus

A discoid lateral meniscus lacking posterior tibial meniscal attachments (Wrisberg variant) is anchored only by the Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament, allowing the entire meniscus to snap anteriorly and posteriorly during knee motion, producing the characteristic palpable clunk in children managed by partial or complete meniscectomy with posterior stabilisation.