Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Anatomy of the Capsular Ligamentous Supporting Structures of the Knee

• Published in: Canadian Association of Radiologists journal Vol. 67; no. 4; pp. 356 - 367
• Main Authors: Gimber, Lana H., MD, MPH, Hardy, Jolene C., MD, Melville, David M., MD, Scalcione, Luke R., MD, Rowan, Andrew, MD, Taljanovic, Mihra S., MD, PhD, FACR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA Elsevier Inc 01.11.2016; SAGE Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Capsular ligaments; Extensor compartment; Femorotibial; Humans; Knee; Knee Joint - anatomy & histology; Knee Joint - diagnostic imaging; Lateral collateral; Ligaments; Ligaments, Articular - anatomy & histology; Ligaments, Articular - diagnostic imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medial collateral; Neurovascular; NMR; Normal anatomy; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Proximal tibiofibular; Radiology; Knee; Extensor compartment; Lateral collateral; Magnetic resonance imaging; Normal anatomy; Femorotibial; Medial collateral; Proximal tibiofibular; Neurovascular; Capsular ligaments
• ISSN: 0846-5371; 1488-2361
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2015.11.004

Abstract Recognition of the normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearances of the capsular ligaments of the knee is of great importance. These ligaments contribute to stability of the knee joint and are frequently injured. In this article, we describe the normal MR imaging anatomy of the capsular ligaments of the knee including the lateral and medial collateral ligamentous complexes, the extensor mechanism, and the supporting ligamentous structures of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Normal MR imaging findings and important anatomic variants of the neurovascular structures of the knee are also described.