In-Vitro of Measurement of Static Pressure Distribution in Synovial Joints—Part I: Tibial Surface of the Knee

Abstract

In this first part of a two-part paper, the results of measurement of static pressure distribution on the tibial surface of the knee are presented. Results with intact menisci have been obtained from 18 specimens. Eight of these specimens were the subject of further measurements following medial meniscectomy. The study has been carried out at various flexion angles of the knee with the joint subjected to a compressive force, with or without an initial passive relative displacement between the joint members. The results indicate that a significant fraction of the joint compressive load is transmitted through the menisci and that total meniscectomy causes a drastic alteration in the pressure distribution on the tibial surface. Clinical implications of these results, in terms of post-meniscectomy degenerative changes and mechanism of meniscal lesions, have been discussed.

Enhanced integrative repair of the porcine meniscus in vitro by inhibition of interleukin‐1 or tumor necrosis factor α

“…These structures are essential for the normal biomechanical function of the knee, including load bearing, shock absorption, joint congruity, and joint stability (1)(2)(3). The meniscus contains 60-70% water and ϳ70% collagen by dry weight (4), as well as smaller amounts of proteoglycans, noncollagenous proteins, lipids, and cells (5).…”

Regeneration of whole meniscus using meniscal cells and polymer scaffolds in a rabbit total meniscectomy model

“…1,2 Meniscus has an important role in load transmission, shock absorption, knee stability, and lubrication of the knee joint. [3][4][5][6] Menisci injury may lead to long-term degenerative joint changes, such as osteophyte formation, articular cartilage degeneration, joint space narrowing, and symptomatic osteoarthritis. 1,2 The treatments of meniscal lesion in knee joint include partial or total meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and allogeneic meniscus transplantation.…”

Cell-based Meniscal Tissue Engineering: A Case for Synoviocytes

“…The integral roles the menisci provide to maintaining appropriate function of the knee are well documented in the literature and include load transmission [1], stability and alleviation of tibiofemoral joint incongruity [54,81], shock absorption [91], joint lubrication [17], and proprioception [98]. Injury to the menisci can therefore be exceptionally debilitating.…”