Official publication of Rawalpindi Medical University
A Quantitative Histological Study of Tendon/Ligament – Bone Interface “Enthesis” in Human Knee Joint
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How to Cite

1.
Tahzeeb-Ul-Hassan ,Amer Qayum ,Tassaduq Hussain. A Quantitative Histological Study of Tendon/Ligament – Bone Interface “Enthesis” in Human Knee Joint. JRMC [Internet]. 2012 Dec. 30 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];16(2). Available from: http://journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/584

Abstract

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.

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