The objective of this study was to analyze morphometric anatomy and damages with aging in cadaveric knee specimens specific to the cruciate ligaments, the articular cartilage of the tibial plateau, and the menisci. Morphometric analyses to cadaveric anatomy of the knee were performed using Image-Pro® software on 3 age populations: <70 years old, 70 to 79 years old, and ≥80 years old. An average thickness of the cruciate ligaments was assessed with 5 circumferential measurements per specimen using nylon thread. Percent degeneration of the tibial plateau's articular cartilage and coverage by menisci was assessed with surface area measurements. The articular cartilage of the medial tibial plateau in ≥80 years old specimens showed a 1.7-fold increase in surface area degeneration (mm) compared to 70 to 79 years old specimens ( P < 0.05). The medial meniscus also experienced degenerative changes with aging, which were expressed as decreases in tibial plateau coverage. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experienced substantial degenerative thinning with aging. The 70 to 79 years old specimens had a 1.2-fold (10.5%) decrease in average ACL circumference (mm) compared to the <70 years old specimens ( P < 0.001). The ≥80 years old specimens had a 1.24-fold (19%) decrease in ACL circumference compared to the <70 years old specimens ( P < 0.001). ACL thinning during aging may be leading to substantial articular cartilage and menisci degeneration given the cruciate ligaments are a primary restraint that combats shearing forces at the knee joint.

Objective Determine if femoral chondral cartilage degeneration on cadaveric knee joints exacerbate differently with aging between the sexes. Methods A total of 85 cadaveric femurs were assessed for macroscopic femoral condyle pathology using a scale for gross signs of osteoarthritis. Raters scored specimens and raters’ scores were averaged to provide each specimen a Disease Severity Score (DSS). Results The DSS for the 80+-year-old population was greater than the DSS of the 70- to 79-year-old population (* P < 0.05) and the <70-year-old population (** P < 0.01). Specimens that scored a DSS of 2 and higher were assessed for their specific site of most severe degeneration. The most severe degeneration on the articular cartilage was most regularly on the patellar fossa. The second most degenerated region varied by age and biomechanical alterations. There were no significant changes in DSS between the sexes within the age groups. Conclusions No difference was shown between the sexes in the severity or location of degeneration indicating that men and women are likely affected by the same biomechanical changes that spur on osteoarthritis in their eighth decade of life (70s) and later. Lateral femoral degeneration predominates in younger populations. When patients approach their 70s, medial degeneration begins to predominate likely based on an increase in shearing at the knee joint.

This assessment identifies an occupational class with a propensity to develop disease and also identifies a more realistic time frame than previous advisory committees have produced regarding age of disease onset and initiation of preventative measures. It is recommended that strengthening of the hip abductors and the musculature supporting the knee commence early in adult life to avoid valgus collapse and shearing at the knee joint.

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Background Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical model designed to categorize course learning objectives based on the complexity of learning associated with the task. Little is known about performance and abilities of entry‐level allied health students related to Bloom’s Taxonomy within anatomy education. Objective The objective of this assessment was to use exam reviews from 2018’s PAS 501 Applied Anatomy course to re‐create exam items at higher levels of Bloom’s learning. Cohort performance at the “Remembering” level of Bloom’s was compared to 2019 reconstructed questions to determine if graduate‐level PA students are most capable of memorizing anatomy or interpreting more detailed applications. Methods Four “Remembering” questions were selected from the 2018 PAS 501 Abdomen written exam. The regional concepts in these questions were reframed in clinical scenarios and questions where regional anatomy needed to be applied at higher levels of thinking. Statistics of cohort performance in the form of the DI, PBC and the DisI were used to compare the lower‐ and higher‐level Bloom’s questions Results Two questions reframed as clinical scenarios and demonstrated decreases in the DI and an increase in the PBC. Two questions were initially written as basic definition questions and reconstructed to represent a discussion of regional anatomy that required the student to understand and reinterpret the information. One of these questions displayed an increase in the DI and the PBC. Conclusions Higher level Bloom’s questions framed as clinical scenarios (N=2) displayed noted increases in the PBC implying these questions are quality discriminators for students who do well overall and those who do not. Reframing “Remembering,” definition questions to “Understanding” level questions may increase item success for clinically‐minded graduate‐level students. Additional work is required to draw meaningful conclusions from this pilot data. Support or Funding Information N/A