Knee Ligaments & Menisci

The Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments extend vertically over medial (tibial) and lateral (fibular) sides of the knee.

• The medial meniscus attaches to the medial collateral ligament, which makes it more vulnerable to injury than the lateral meniscus.

The Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments lie outside the synovial cavity, but inside the knee joint capsule, and prevent anterior/posterior sliding between the femur and tibia.

• The posterior cruciate ligament (aka PCL) extends from the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia and passes superiorly, anteriorly, and medially to attach to the lateral surface of the medial femoral condyle.
• The anterior cruciate ligament (aka ACL) extends from the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia and passes superiorly and posteriorly to insert on the medial surface of the lateral femoral condyle.

Medial and lateral menisci are plates of fibrocartilage that attach to the articular surfaces of the tibia, which aid in shock absorption and lubricate the joint. They lie outside the synovial cavity but within the joint capsule.