Anatomy of the medial stabilizers ligaments of the patella: anatomical study in fresh cadavers

Background: The medial patellofemoral, patellomeniscal, and patellotibial ligaments are described as key stabilizers on the medial aspect of the patella. However, most anatomical studies have relied on specimens preserved in formalin or frozen for extended periods, potentially altering native tissue characteristics. The aim is to describe the anatomical characteristics of the medial patellofemoral, patellomeniscal, and patellotibial ligaments using fresh cadaveric specimens. Materials and methods: This prospective descriptive case series analyzed 15 fresh cadaveric knees obtained from the National institute of legal medicine and forensic sciences in XXXX. The ligaments were dissected and described, in terms of size and insertions. Results: The three ligaments were identified in all the specimens. The medial patellofemoral ligament has a mean length of 61.9 mm, the origin has a mean width of 24.9 mm (patella and vastus medialis oblique (VMO)) and it inserts between the adductor tubercle and medial epicondyle with a mean width of 9.3 mm. The medial patellomeniscal and patellotibial ligaments origin more distal in the medial patella with a mean width of 11.7 mm and a mean length of 40.1 mm and 42.2 mm, and a mean angle with the patellar tendon of 36.1° and 16.7°, respectively. Conclusion: The medial patellofemoral ligament is a flat structure which has dual origin in the patella and VMO, and inserts between the medial epicondyle and adductor tubercle. The medial patellomeniscal and medial patellotibial ligaments share a common insertion in the mid-distal patella. These three anatomical structures were consistently found in all the cadaveric specimens. The description of these structures can help to develop more anatomical techniques to reconstruct the medial stabilizers of the knee.