Meniscus-stabilizing function of the meniscofemoral ligament: experimental study of pig knee joints.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate experimentally, with the use of pig knee joints, that the posterior meniscofemoral ligament (PML) stabilizes the lateral meniscus (LM).


METHODS
Amputated stumps of the knee joints of Yorkshire pigs, which are anatomically similar to human knee joints, were used. The PML was intact or was cut according to 1 of 6 different conditions: (1) intact PML with intact LM, (2) intact PML with a radial tear of the posterior horn of the LM, (3) intact PML with total lateral meniscectomy, (4) cut PML with intact LM, (5) cut PML with a radial tear of the posterior horn of the LM, and (6) cut PML with total lateral meniscectomy. Pressure-sensitive film was inserted beneath the lateral femoral condyle, an axial load of 150 kg was placed on the knee joint with a universal testing machine, and the pressed area and maximum and average pressures were measured with the Prescale Imaging Analysis System (Fujifilm Medical Systems, Stamford, CT).


RESULTS
With an intact PML, no difference was seen between the intact meniscus and the radial tear of the posterior horn of the LM in pressed area and maximum and average pressures. With a cut PML, pressure concentration, detected as significantly reduced pressed area and increased maximum and average pressures, was observed, regardless of the condition of the LM.


CONCLUSIONS
PML of the pig stabilized the LM under an axial load, and an intact PML yielded results similar to those observed in total lateral meniscectomy. Our findings suggest that posterior horn tears of the LM, which are rarely symptomatic, may be caused by stabilizing of the lateral meniscus by the PML against the load placed on the knee joint.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that the PML, lateral side, stabilizes the LM when the ligament is intact. Even when a tear of the meniscus occurs, no increased localized pressure areas appear on the meniscus; this may explain why these tears are rarely symptomatic.
Cho
SungDo
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea.
Ko
SangHun
S
Woo
Jong-Ken
JK
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000637:transplantation; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D013552:Swine; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries