Morphometric study of menisci of knee joint and its variation its clinical application a cadaveric study

Abstract

quotABSTRACT newlineBackground: The Knee joint is compound condylar type of synovial joint between the femur and the tibia. The menisci (formerly called semi lunar cartilages) lie within the knee joint. The menisci increase the concavities of the tibial condyles for the better congruence with femoral condyles. They act as swabs to lubricate the joint cavity and act as shock absorber to protect the articular cartilage during weight transmission. newlineThe menisci are liable to injury resulting from twisting strains applied to flexed weight bearing knee. The mean annual incidence of meniscal tears is about 60-70 per 100,000 with a male to female ratio ranging from 2.5:1 to 4:1. The present study was conceived to provide valuable morphological data for preparing meniscal allograft for people of this region so that accurate matching can be done in meniscal transplantation. newline newlineMethods: The study was carried out in 60 menisci (30 knee joints) of adult cadavers. An incision were made along the knee joint and removed the skin, soft tissues and muscles and clean it properly. Black ink marker was used to outline all the attachments. Length of meniscus from anterior horn to posterior horns measured by with the help of non-elastic thread. The distances between the anterior and posterior horns measured using digital caliper, which will be placed between the apex of the anterior horn and the apex of the posterior horn. The width was measured at three points - the anterior third, middle third, and posterior third. The thickness of the meniscus was determined using the same width points and then the caliper were placed between the top and bottom edge in the outer circumference only. newline newlineResults: the distance between anterior and posterior horn medial and lateral of both right and left knee and observed that medial distance between anterior and posterior horn right knee 28.92±1.3333 which was significantly higher than the medial distance between anterior and posterior horn left knee were 28.18±1.46. The thickness of meniscus medial and lateral of