Variations and its clinical significance of the posterior cruciate ligament&nbsp;

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.2.02

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (2) : 126-130. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.2.02

Variations and its clinical significance of the posterior cruciate ligament

Ren Jianyue¹, Zhang Xuehui¹, Wang Jing¹, Li Chengyang¹, Ren Lina¹, Xuan Xiuning¹, Yao Yushan², Li Jing³*

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the anatomical characteristics of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and meniscofemoral ligament (MFL), so as to provide useful information for PCL reconstructions. Methods A total of 112 human lower limbs were dissected and variations of the PCL, MFL were noted. The length and width of PCL and MFL were measured using a vernier caliper. Results PCL was divided into two main bundles: anterolateral bundle (ALB) and posteromedial bundle (PMB). In some cases, ALB could be further subdivided into two or three bundles: a central bundle and an anterior bundle in 63 cases; or two central bundles and an anterior bundle in 9 cases. PMB could also be divided into two bundles, which included an oblique bundle and a longitudinal bundle in 29 cases; or two parallel bundles in 41 cases. There was statistically significant difference in the type composition of ALB between males and females (P<0.05). The frequencies of anterior meniscofemoral ligament (AMFL)and posterior meniscofemoral ligament (PMFL) were 9.8% and 67.9%, respectively. The average length and width of PCL were (34.96±4.52) mm, (10.28±2.03) mm; and the average length and width of PMFL were (20.31±5.70) mm, (4.05±1.07) mm, respectively. There was significant difference in the length of PMFL between male and female (P<0.05). Conclusions This study complements previous research on the morphological characteristics and variational patterns of PCL. Understanding the complex anatomical structure of PCL is crucial for assessing PCL injuries and planning related surgical procedures.

Key words

Posterior cruciate ligament / / / Anterior meniscofemoral ligament / / / Posterior meniscofemoral ligament

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Ren Jianyue, Zhang Xuehui, Wang Jing, Li Chengyang, Ren Lina, Xuan Xiuning, Yao Yushan, Li Jing. Variations and its clinical significance of the posterior cruciate ligament [J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(2): 126-130 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.2.02

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