What is the function of the ligamentum mucosum?
Until fairly recently the ligamentum mucosum has been considered a useless embryological remnant.
However, a number of fairly recent anatomical studies have shown that there is quite considerable variability in its structure, and there is speculation that it does serve a purpose.
Ligamentum mucosum and anterior knee pain
The intimate relationship between the ligamentum mucosum and the fat pad means that the structure can be stretched as the knee bends and straightens.
If this composite is compromised either by injury or a growth spurt, pain may be experienced in the front of the knee.
"Anterior knee pain (AKP), a multifactorial symptom complex, can be successfully treated surgically. A specific diagnosis often cannot be made, but the pain is linked to an unrecognized common factor in most patients: ...the fat pad (FP) and infrapatellar plica (IPP)."
"Infrapatellar plica injury is an under-reported cause of anterior knee pain"
Forum discussions
- "Re: Introduction" - Helping patients access the medical literature about the fat pad and the ligamentum mucosum.