Anterior Intermeniscal Ligament on Radiographs

The anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee (also called the transverse geniculate ligament or anterior transverse ligament) can be seen on radiographs as an opacity of soft-tissue density in the posterior part of the Hoffa fat pad.

The anterior intermeniscal ligament can be seen in about 60% of patients on MRI, and in about 10% of patients on lateral radiographs of the knee. On radiographs, the ligament is at least 3 mm thick and completely surrounded by fat.

References

• Aydingöz U, Kaya A, Atay OA, Oztürk MH, Doral MN. MR imaging of the anterior intermeniscal ligament: classification according to insertion sites. Eur Radiol. 2002 Apr;12(4):824-9.
• Sintzoff SA Jr, Stallenberg B, Gillard I, Gevenois PA, Matos C, Struyven J. Transverse geniculate ligament of the knee: appearance and frequency on plain radiographs. Br J Radiol. 1992 Sep;65(777):766-8.