Knee A to Z

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a small but important ligament stretching from the inner aspect of the patella (knee cap) to the femur bone.

A medial plica or medial shelf is a remnant of an embryonic partition in the knee, and runs along the inner aspect of the kneecap. Page updated February 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Medial reefing is a surgical procedure to tighten the tissues on the medial aspect of the patella. It is being used less and less as studies show it is not very effective.

A mediopatellar plica is a flattened band of synovium (joint lining) inside the knee, left over from the embryological development of the knee.

A meniscal allograft is a transplant of a knee meniscus (or 'knee cartilage') from one person to another.

Meniscal allograft transplantation is a transplant of a knee meniscus from one person to another. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Meniscal arrows are tiny bio-degradeable polymer harpoons which are used to hold together the torn fragments of a 'knee cartilage' (meniscus) tear until the fragments join together and the arrow dissolves.

A meniscal avulsion is a traumatic incident that results in the knee meniscus - or a portion of it - tearing away from its previously firm anchorage to the tibia bone.

A meniscal cyst is a fluid-filled tender lump at the joint line of the knee, arising from the meniscus shock absorber.

Meniscal degeneration is the breakdown in the internal structure of the meniscus, the shock absorber of the knee.