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Function of the normal meniscus and consequences of meniscal resection
Author(s) -
Aagaard H.,
Verdonk R.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0838.1999.tb00443.x
Subject(s) - medicine , meniscus , tears , osteoarthritis , ligament , knee joint , cartilage , lateral meniscus , anatomy , surgery , pathology , physics , alternative medicine , incidence (geometry) , optics
The principal functions of the meniscus are load transmission and shock absorption, based on the meniscal collagen architecture, the biochemical fluid composition, and the proteoglucan–collagen meshwork. The mobile menisci transmit 50–90% of load over the knee joint, depending on knee flexion angle, femoral translation and rotation. The meniscus contributes to knee joint proprioception and probably also to joint stability. Late consequences of total and partial meniscectomy are radiographic osteoarthritis, with a varying percentage of these patients having symptoms. Malalignment, concomitant articular cartilage lesions, and ligament instability are absolute risk factors, while age, lateral compartment, and continued sport activity are relative risk factors. Acute reinsertion of meniscal tears in the red–red or red–white zones can be performed successfully by arthroscopic technique. Also in chronic tears stable healing can be expected in most cases, if the scar tissue is resected.