A Cadaveric Study to Define Morphology and Morphometry of Human Knee Menisci in the Region of Central India

Abstract

The medial and lateral menisci of the knee joint are the functional unit that helps to increase the depth of articular surfaces on the head of a tibia for the reception of femoral condyles. Menisci are important for the distribution of load and thus help to reduce stress on the knee joint. The anatomical knowledge of morphology and morphometry of menisci is vital while performing surgeries in cases of meniscal injury. The study aimed to define the variational anatomy of the menisci of the knee joint. Material and MethodsNinety-six cadaveric knees of 48 cadavers were included in the study. Different shapes of both; lateral and medial menisci were recorded. The peripheral lengths and inner lengths of the menisci were measured with the nonelastic cotton thread. Menisci were divided into three parts; anterior, middle, and posterior. The maximum width and thickness of each part of the menisci were measured and documented. Distance between the medial and lateral meniscus in each knee was measured at the anterior and posterior ends. The most anterior and the most posterior part of each meniscus was determined and the distance between these parts of each meniscus was measured and recorded as the distance between two horns. ResultsFour morphological types of menisci were found; in medial menisci, the most common was crescent-shaped (53%), and in lateral menisci, the most common shape was c-shape (62.5%). The average peripheral length of the medial menisci was 92.0 mm and the lateral menisci was 96.08 mm while the average inner length of the medial and lateral meniscus was 56.19 mm and 58.92 mm respectively. The anterior third of the medial as well as lateral meniscus was thinnest while the posterior third was thickest. The width of the medial menisci was less at the anterior end and was more at the posterior ends while the width of the lateral meniscus was almost the same at the anterior, middle, and posterior ends. ConclusionThe findings of the present study will be helpful for surgeons while planning and performing surgical procedures and for anatomists during routine teaching.

A Study on the Morphometry of a Medial Meniscus in the Knee Joint of Human Cadavers in the South Indian Population

“…From this, we can infer that the widest part is the posterior one-third and the narrowest part is the anterior one-third. The results obtained were consistent with the studies conducted by Amandeep et al [8], Braz et al [9], Chintan et al [3], Almedia et al [1], and Chaware et al [10]. The wider area of the meniscus allows more action on the femoral condyles and is more prone to injury compared to the narrow part [5].…”

Osteoarthritis Development Following Meniscectomy vs. Meniscal Repair for Posterior Medial Meniscus Injuries: A Systematic Review

“…These crescent-shaped discs act as shock absorbers, distribute load, and enhance joint stability. Integral to knee function, the menisci mitigate the forces transmitted across the knee, reducing the risk of cartilage damage and osteoarthritis [11][12][13][14][15]. The medial meniscus, being C-shaped and firmly attached to the knee's capsule, is particularly vulnerable to injury, underscoring the importance of preserving its integrity for maintaining knee health [16][17][18][19][20].…”