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Histological classification of the lateral patellofemoral ligament
Author(s) -
McIntyre Michael B,
Marberry Kevin,
Kondrashov Peter
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.749.8
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , anatomy , connective tissue , ligament , elastin , trichrome , medicine , anterior cruciate ligament , joint capsule , trichrome stain , knee joint , patellar ligament , dense connective tissue , pathology , immunohistochemistry , surgery , h&e stain , patellar tendon
The knee joint capsule is a complex structure comprised of connective tissue, ligaments, vasculature, and nerves. The histological structure of the knee joint capsule has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to classify the histological structure of the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL), which is the thickest portion of the lateral patellofemoral retinaculum. We then compared the LPFL to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the quadriceps tendons (QT). The ACL served as an example of a “true” ligament. The LPFL was compared to the QT to determine its validity as an autograft in LPFL reconstruction. Samples of the LPFL, ACL, and QT were harvested from six cadaveric knees, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with H&E, Masson's trichrome, or orcein. Representative samples were obtained throughout the entire LPFL and analyzed using light microscopy. Our data shows that the LPFL is composed of multiple elements including dense connective tissue, loose connective tissue, vasculature, elastin, and nerve fibers. Presence of these elements differentiates LPFL from the ACL and QT. Unlike the ACL and QT, the LPFL is not uniformly composed of dense regular connective tissue. Documenting the histological structure of the LPFL may contribute to the understanding of the pathoetiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Grant Funding Source : N/A