Coronary Ligament 

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Definition

By Gregory R. Waryasz, MD

The coronary ligament of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by being portions of the joint capsule. The coronary ligament is also known as the meniscotibial ligament.

It is part of the knee joint. It consists of fibrous dense regular connective tissue of collagen fibers.

Its unique structural feature is that extends between the menisci and most of the tibial condyle peripherally.  It is continuous with the capsule and the menisci.

The coronary ligament as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in the embryo.

The function of the coronary ligaments is to connect the menisci to the joint capsule.

Common diseases include tears and injuries to associated structures.

Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, x-ray, and MRI.

It is usually treated with surgery or nonoperative methods depending upon what other structures are injured.

References

Elstrom J, Virkus W, Pankovich (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), McGraw Hill, New York, NY, 2006.

Koval K, Zuckerman J (eds), Handbook of Fractures (3rd edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.

Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.

Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.