Abstract:

Objective　To provide morphological basis for the imaging diagnosis of the ligament diseases of knee joint.　Methods　A total of 27 sides of adult genicular specimens were used in this study. 6 serial transverse，9 sagittal，and 12 coronal sections of 5mm in thickness were made respectively. The features and parameters of different ligaments on three-dimensional sections was observed and measured.　Results　On sagittal plane, the lengths of anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were (29.66±4.21)mm and (40.26±6.81)mm, the thickness of anterior and posterior cruciate ligament were (10.03±1.97)mm and (11.24±3.50)mm respectively. On coronal plane, the longitudinal diameters of the two ligaments were (15.18±3.25)mm and (18.79±3.35)mm, and the transverse diameters (6.37±1.32)mm and (8.03±1.46)mm respectively. The lengths of tibial and fibular collateral ligament were (102.85±19.64)mm and (45.52±14.91)mm, and the thickness of them (2.63±0.72)mm and (3.43±1.04)mm respectively. On serial transverse plane passed through intercondylar eminence, the longitudinal diameter of tibial collateral ligament was (21.98±11.95)mm and the transverse one  (2.03±0.59)mm, as well the fibular collateral ligament  (5.25±1.93)mm and (2.87±0.64)mm respectively. Conclusions　(1)The adequate plane for observing the cruciate ligament was the mid-sagittal plane and the lateral sagital plane. The lengths and the widths of the attachment region from femur to tibia between anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament were different, however, the thickness is the exception. (2)The collateral ligament can be seen clearly on transverse and coronal planes, especially on coronal ones. (3) Sagittal and coronal planes are better for observing the cruciate ligaments, otherwise, coronal and transverses planes for collateral ligaments.

Key words: Knee joint, Cruciate ligaments, Collateral ligaments, Sectional anatomy