Summary

The most principal finding of the present study is the statistically significant relationship between high location with thick WL and posterocentral shift type of DLM tear based on peripheral detachment in symptomatic DLM patients.

Abstract

Background

Wrisberg ligament (WL) is known to be associated with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). However, little is known about the clinical significance of WL on DLM tear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between WL and peripheral detachment in DLM patients based on magnetic resonance image (MRI).
Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study; Level of evidence: 3.

Methods

A total of 322 knees in 292 patients were reviewed. Patients were divided into four DLM tear types according to peripheral detachment: no shift (type 1), anterocentral shift (type 2), posterocentral shift (type 3), and central shift (type 4). We reviewed all MRI concentrating on the presence, location (high or low location), running angle, thickness of WL, and WL/posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) thickness ratio. The relationship between DLM tear types and anatomic features of WL were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and chi-square test.

Results

According to DLM tear types based on peripheral detachment, 149 knees were type 1, 38 were type 2, 79 were type 3, and 56 were type 4. Among the 322 knees, 302 (93.8%) had WL on MRI. In DLM patients, type 3 showed statistically significant (P < .001) relationship with high location of WL. In addition, type 3 had significantly larger (P < .0001) running angle of WL, thicker (P < .0001) WL, and higher (P < .0001) WL/PCL ratio compared to other types.

Conclusion

High location and thick WL is related to posterocentral shift type of DLM tear based on peripheral detachment.
Clinical Relevance: Releasing WL is considered to be able to stabilize the peripheral rim of posterocentral shift of DLM tear type with high location and thick WL.