A Quantitative Histological Study of Tendon/Ligament – Bone Interface “Enthesis” in Human Knee Joint

• Main Author: Tahzeeb-Ul- Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rawalpindi Medical University 2012-12-01
• Series: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
• Subjects: Epiphysis; Semimembranosus; Patellar ligament
• Online Access: https://www.journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/584

Background: The distal epiphyseal attachments of patellar ligament and semimembranosus tendon were compared by routine histology in view of their role as mechanical barrier and primary pathological site for spondyloarthropathies. Methods: In this study 15 autopsy specimens were collected. Strips were taken from central portion of attachment zones of patellar ligament and semimembranosus tendon.It was confirmed in all cases that knee joints were devoid of gross pathological changes. After fixation, dehydration and processing sections were cut at 500μm interval along the long axis of the tendon and ligament. The width of zones of uncalcified, calcified and total fibrocartilages were calculated. The ratio of uncalcified and calcified fibrocartilage was determined. Results: There were four zones at the attachment sites. These include (1) tendon (2) uncalcified fibro cartilage, (3) calcified fibro cartilage, (4) bone. There were marked differences in quantities of fibro cartilage between patellar ligament and semimembranosus tendon insertion. Conclusion: The width of zone of fibrocartilage was greater in patellar ligament than semimembranosus tendon. As patellar ligament is strong extensor with greater mobility and semimembranosus is one of weak flexor of knee joint,so fibrocartilage is more in patellar ligament than semimembranosus tendon.