Ligament of Wrisberg

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

The ligament of Wrisberg is the posterior branch of the meniscofemoral ligament, and forms a stabilising connection between the back of the lateral meniscus and the outer side of the medial femoral condyle. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Illustration of anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments
View through the middle of the knee.

The anterior branch of the meniscofemoral ligament is also called the ligament of Humphrey. The complex and variable anatomy of the meniscofemoral ligament increases the risk of MRI mis-interpretation.

Meniscofemoral ligament

The two arms of the meniscofemoral ligament come together where they attach at the back of the lateral meniscus. The ligament stabilises the lateral meniscus and prevents its avulsion.

The ligament also complements the action of the cruciate ligaments in preventing the tibia from abnormal backwards movements (posterior tibial translation).

"...the [meniscofemoral ligaments] serve an important role in protecting the lateral meniscus and augmenting the function of the PCL...."

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Meniscofemoral ligament being the cause of mis-interpretation of MRI

An inexperienced knee radiologist may misinterpret the ligament of Wrisberg as a tear of the lateral meniscus.

"....normal variants of anatomical structures of the meniscofemoral ligaments may [mimic] tears of the lateral meniscus on MRI [when] they are actually intact on arthroscopy...."

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