Get Started
Home › Basics › Transverse ligament of knee

Transverse ligament of knee

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 18, 2025

Table of Contents

The transverse ligament of the knee, not to be confused with the more notable transverse ligaments in other parts of the body, is a less commonly discussed structure within the knee anatomy. It plays a minor role in knee joint stability.[2]

Location

The transverse ligament spans horizontally across the front of the knee joint, connecting the anterior aspects of the medial and lateral menisci.[8]

Structure

  • Morphology: The ligament is a thin, broad fibrous band.
  • Composition: Like other ligaments, it is primarily made up of dense connective tissue.

Function

  • Meniscal Stability: Its main role is to stabilize the anterior aspects of the medial and lateral menisci, ensuring they remain in the correct anatomical alignment during knee movements.[3]
  • Joint Proprioception: While not its primary function, like other minor ligaments, it may play a role in proprioception, providing feedback about the position of the knee joint.[6]

Clinical significance

The transverse ligament of the knee, while not as frequently cited as other major knee ligaments, holds clinical relevance, particularly in the context of meniscal injuries and surgeries.[1] As it connects the anterior portions of the medial and lateral menisci, any disruption to its integrity can potentially alter the relative positioning and movement of the menisci during knee motion.[4] This might lead to abnormal biomechanics and increased stress on the meniscal tissue, potentially hastening wear or predisposing to tears.[5] In the realm of surgical interventions, particularly meniscus repair or transplantation procedures, the integrity and function of the transverse ligament might be evaluated and addressed to ensure optimal post-operative meniscal positioning and function. Furthermore, any compromise in its function might affect proprioception, subtly influencing joint kinematics and potentially predisposing to further injuries.[7]

References

  1. Platzer, W. (2015). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, Volume 1: Locomotor System (7th ed.). Thieme. ISBN 978-3135333076.
  2. Hollinshead, W. H. (2016). Hollinshead’s Functional Anatomy of the Limbs and Back (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 978-1416069409.
  3. Williams, P. L., Bannister, L. H., & Berry, M. M. (1999). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Medicine and Surgery (38th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0443056115.
  4. Last, R. J. (2011). Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied (12th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0702033958.
  5. Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2018). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson. ISBN 978-0134580999.
  6. Palastanga, N., Soames, R., & Field, D. (2012). Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function (6th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0702053086.
  7. Tank, P. W. (2015). Grant’s Dissector (16th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1469890685.
  8. Sinelnikov, R. D., & Sineva, L. (1996). Atlas of Human Anatomy (3rd ed.). Mir Publishers. ISBN 978-5030022341.