A footballer sustains a valgus blow to the knee. MRI shows a grade II medial collateral ligament tear along with a peripheral vertical tear of the medial meniscus. The anatomical basis for this frequent combination is:
- A The medial meniscus is firmly attached to the deep fibers of the medial collateral ligament and the joint capsule ✓
- B Both structures share the same arterial supply from the middle genicular artery
- C The lateral meniscus is anchored to the lateral collateral ligament, leaving the medial side unprotected
- D The medial meniscus is completely mobile within the joint cavity
Correct answer: A. The medial meniscus is firmly attached to the deep fibers of the medial collateral ligament and the joint capsule
Explanation
The deep portion of the medial collateral ligament blends with the capsule and attaches directly to the peripheral margin of the medial meniscus, so a valgus force tears both together. The lateral meniscus is loosely attached and separated from the lateral collateral ligament by the popliteus tendon, which is why this combination does not occur laterally, killing option C.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.