The patellar ligament (anterior ligament) is the central portion of the common tendon of the Quadriceps femoris, which is continued from the patella to the tuberosity of the tibia.

Anatomy

It is a strong, flat, ligamentous band, about 8 cm. in length, attached, above, to the apex and adjoining margins of the patella and the rough depression on its posterior surface; below, to the tuberosity of the tibia; its superficial fibers are continuous over the front of the patella with those of the tendon of the Quadriceps femoris.

The medial and lateral portions of the tendon of the Quadriceps pass down on either side of the patella, to be inserted into the upper extremity of the tibia on either side of the tuberosity; these portions merge into the capsule, as stated above, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula.

The posterior surface of the ligamentum patellę is separated from the synovial membrane of the joint by a large infrapatellar pad of fat, and from the tibia by a bursa.

It is also sometimes called the "patellar tendon".^[1]

Clinical signifiance

It can be injured in an patellar tendon rupture.

It can be used as a tissue source in the repair of other ligaments.^[2]

See also

• Patellar reflex

Additional images

<gallery> Image:Gray350.png|Sagittal section of right knee-joint. Image:Gray351.png|Capsule of right knee-joint (distended). Lateral aspect. </gallery>

References

External links

• The KNEEguru - educational site packed with knee content with sections on patellar problems
• - "Muscles of the anterior (extensor) compartment of the leg."
• ()

it:Tendine rotuleo pl:Wi?zad?o rzepki

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