New insight in the architecture of the quadriceps tendon

Abstract

BackgroundPublished data regarding the structure of the quadriceps tendon are diverse. Dissection of the quadriceps muscle group revealed that beside the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis a fifth muscle component– named the tensor vastus intermedius consistently fused into quadriceps tendon. It can be hypothesized that all these elements of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint must also be represented in the quadriceps tendon. This study investigated the multi-layered quadriceps tendon with special emphasis on all components of the quadriceps muscle group including the newly discovered tensor vastus intermedius.MethodsTen cadaveric lower limbs were dissected. All muscle bellies of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint were identified and traced distally until they merged into the quadriceps tendon. Connections between the different aponeurotic layers of each muscle were studied from origin to insertion. The fusing points of each layer were marked. Their distance to the patella and the distances between the fusing points were measured.ResultsSix elements of the quadriceps muscle group form a tri-laminar structure of the quadriceps tendon. The intermediate layer could be further sub-divided. The elements of the quadriceps tendon are 1. lateral aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 2. deep and 3. superficial medial aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 4. vastus lateralis, 5. tensor vastus intermedius and 6. rectus femoris. Even with differences in fiber direction – these elements join each other a certain distance proximal to the patella.All elements were fused over a region measuring 13 to 90 mm proximal to the patella. Lateral parts of the vastus intermedius formed the deepest layer of the quadriceps tendon. The superficial and deep layer of the medial vastus intermedius aponeurosis fused 56 mm (range, 30 to 90 mm) and 33 mm (range, 13 to 53 mm) above the patella with the aponeurosis of the tensor vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis respectively. Together they built the two-layered intermediate layer of the quadriceps tendon. The tendon of the rectus femoris forms the superficial layer. The vastus medialis inserts medially in all layers of the quadriceps tendon.Fibers of the lateral muscle components were oriented towards the medial, and fibers of the medial muscle components were oriented towards the lateral femoral condyle.ConclusionsThe three-layered quadriceps tendon is formed by six elements. These are 1. lateral aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 2. deep and 3. superficial medial aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 4. vastus lateralis, 5. tensor vastus intermedius and 6. rectus femoris. These elements of the extensor apparatus join each other proximal to the patella in a complex onion-like architecture. Its two-layered intermediate layer shows variable fusions points. The vastus medialis contributes to the quadriceps tendon with its medial insertion into all layers of the quadriceps tendon.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the tensor vastus intermedius: A topographic study based on anatomical dissections

“…The present anatomical study describes the anatomy and the corresponding MR image findings of an independent TVI muscle (Grob et al, ) from origin to the insertion into the quadriceps tendon. The existence of this muscle has only recently been reported as a component of the lateral part of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint (Grob et al, , , , ; Rajasekaran and Hall, ). In a preliminary MRI study on three cadaveric lower limbs, we were not able to distinguish the TVI from the adjacent vastii despite the fact that the TVI could be displayed in the subsequent dissection.…”

“…Therefore, this study represents only a limited insight into the basic pattern of the lateral extensor apparatus of the knee joint and is by no means complete. However, knowledge of the existence of an intervening muscle between the VL and the VI may simplify the interpretation of the complex architecture of the lateral extensor apparatus (Grob et al, ). The wide variability between the vasti, as described in the literature, may be the result of the different extent and location of fusion between the aponeuroses of VI, TVI, and VL (Figs.…”

“…This muscle element, named tensor vastus intermedius (TVI), originates from the anterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter and combines distally into a broad, flat tendon or aponeurosis. Finally, the TVI merges into the two‐layered intermediate layer of the quadriceps tendon (Grob et al, , ) and inserts into the medial aspect of the patella, which has also been documented sonographically (Rajasekaran and Hall, ). Four morphological types of TVI have been described.…”

The interaction between the vastus medialis and vastus intermedius and its influence on the extensor apparatus of the knee joint

“…5). With regard to its innervation, the VI can also be divided into a medial and lateral section [10][11][12][13].…”

A Novel Method for Assessing Regional Tendon Stiffness and Its Significance

“…The patellar tendon runs obliquely, outwardly and distally from the apex of the patella and inserts into the tibial tuberosity [7]. Patellar tendon strain could be affected by tension in the lateral retinaculum [8] or by the position of the patella [9].…”