Distal insertions of the semimembranosus tendon
The distal semimembranosus (SM) tendon is an important component of the posteromedial corner. The anatomy of the distal SM tendon is quite complex. Several insertions have been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging anatomy of the different insertions of the distal SM.
Overview of the six different insertions of the SM tendon. 1) direct insertion; from common SM tendon towards posterior aspect of tibia 1 cm below joint. 2) anterior insertion; from common SM tendon along posteromedial tibia, inserts deep to MCL. 3) oblique popliteal lig. insertion; from common SM tendon towards oblique popliteal ligament. 4) posterior oblique lig. insertion; sheath over SM tendon at level of joint space coursing towards POL. 5) meniscal insertion; from SM towards coronary ligament of posterior horn of medial meniscus. 6) distal insertion; from distal aspect of SM tendon over popliteus muscle.
The author's findings provide insight into the complex imaging anatomy of the distal semimembranosus tendon. Six distal insertions of the semimembranosus tendon can be well visualized when combining imaging findings in the three imaging planes. Kiné Care (www.msk-ultrasound.com) encourages everybody to study this article in detail as it contains lot's of information which could be useful for clinical practice.
> From: De Maeseneer et al., Skeletal Radiol 43 (2015) 781–791. All rights reserved to ISS 2014. Click here for the Pubmed summary.
