Morphological study of the menisci of the knee joint in human cadaver in Jharkhand population

Abstract

Introduction: Sports are the leading cause of joint injuries, particularly in the knees. Knee menisci are an important functional unit that aids in load distribution and hence reduces stress on the knee joint. Meniscal morphology provides information on exact size and shape, which is important for meniscal transplantation in cases of meniscal damage. The study’s goal is to determine the morphological variation in the shape of menisci, as well as the width and thickness of menisci. Method: This study was conducted at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi, Department of Anatomy. In this study, 100 menisci were taken from 50 adult cadaver knee joints available in the dissection hall. Result: Six morphological kinds of menisci were identified after a morphological and morphometric study of 100 menisci. The most common crescent-shaped menisci (96%) were found in 50 medial menisci (MM), while the most common C-shaped menisci were found in 50 lateral menisci (LM, 94%). There was no statistically significant difference in thickness between the anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the MM in the morphometric analysis. The thickest section of the lateral meniscus (LM) was in the middle third. There was no significant variation in the width of the LM among the different thirds in the current study. The posterior portion of the medial meniscus (MM), on the other hand, was the widest. Conclusion: The findings of this study support meniscal anatomy in terms of surgical technique and arthroscopy of the knee joint, as well as contributing to a better understanding of meniscal architecture and meniscal transplantation. As a result, health workers who treat meniscal injuries should be aware of the probable anatomical differences.

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

“…The data were recorded systematically. The peripheral length of the menisci was measured using a non-elastic cotton thread [ 4 ]. The metallic pins were placed along the periphery of the meniscus, and the thread was placed along the periphery.…”

“…These menisci have an avascular inner zone and a vascular outer zone. During trauma, healing is delayed in the avascular zone, whereas healing is better in the vascular zone if removed surgically [ 4 ]. Injury to the meniscus is on the rise because of increased BMI due to a sedentary lifestyle [ 5 ].…”

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

“…They help to increase the depth of the articular fossae on the head of the tibia for the reception of the femoral condyles [ 2 - 4 ]. They provide mechanical protection to the articular surface of the tibia as they reduce the stress on the knee joint and help in preventing osteoarthritis [ 5 - 6 ].…”

“…Repair of meniscus is the preferred treatment for ruptured meniscus. In cases of irreversible damage of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy is preferred over total to minimize its loss [ 6 ]. For the success of these treatment modalities, precise anatomy of the menisci of the knee joints is necessary.…”

Surgical Management of Traumatic Meniscus Injuries

“…The medial and lateral menisci are fibrous cartilaginous structures that serve to optimize transmission of mechanical loading across the tibiofemoral joint [1][2][3][4]. The menisci structures include an organized network of collagen, proteoglycan, glycoproteins, and other cellular elements and are crucial to protect the integrity of the articular surfaces of the knee during weight-bearing activities [2,5]. Meniscus injuries can result in mechanical symptoms in the knee such as pain, joint locking, and swelling.…”