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Magnetic resonance image analysis of meniscal translation and tibio‐menisco‐femoral contact in deep knee flexion
Author(s) -
Yao Jiang,
Lancianese Sarah L.,
Hovinga Kristen R.,
Lee Jordan,
Lerner Amy L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.20553
Subject(s) - squatting position , medial meniscus , kneeling , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , anatomy , kinematics , knee flexion , orthodontics , knee joint , displacement (psychology) , osteoarthritis , contact area , materials science , surgery , radiology , physics , psychology , alternative medicine , pathology , classical mechanics , composite material , psychotherapist
The purpose of this study was to clarify meniscal displacement and cartilage–meniscus contact behavior in a full extension position and a deep knee flexion position. We also studied whether the meniscal translation pattern correlated with the tibiofemoral cartilage contact kinematics. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired at both positions for 10 subjects using a conventional MR scanner. Subjects achieved a flexion angle averaging 139° ± 3°. Both medial and lateral menisci translated posteriorly on the tibial plateau during deep knee flexion. The posterior translation of the lateral meniscus (8.2 ± 3.2 mm) was greater than the medial (3.3 ± 1.5 mm). This difference was correlated with the difference in tibiofemoral contact kinematics between medial and lateral compartments. Contact areas in deep flexion were approximately 75% those at full extension. In addition, the percentage of area in contact with menisci increased significantly due to deep flexion. Our results related to meniscal translation and tibio‐menisco‐femoral contact in deep knee flexion, in combination with information about force and pressure in the knee, may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of meniscal degeneration and osteoarthritis associated with prolonged kneeling and squatting. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:673–684, 2008