Epiligament Tissue of the Medial Collateral Ligament in Rat Knee Joint: Ultrastructural Study

Abstract

Introduction Recent studies stressed the importance of the epiligament in ligament nutrition and healing. While ligaments of the knee joint have been the subject of extensive research, the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament has received only limited attention. The aim of our study was to present the ultrastructural morphological features of the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament in a rat knee joint. Materials and methods For the present study, we used eight eight-month-old male Wistar rats. A transmission electron microscopic study of the epiligament was conducted according to standard protocol. Results In the epiligament, we described the presence of fibroblasts with the typical features of protein-synthesizing cells, as well as fibrocytes and adipocytes. We noted an abundance of blood vessels and nerve elements. Collagen fibers were organized in multidirectional bundles. Conclusions Our findings confirm that the cells and structures of the epiligament play an important role in the nutrition and healing of the medial collateral ligament.