The reproducibility of radiographic measurement of lateral meniscus horn position.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of our investigation was to evaluate whether it is possible to locate and reproduce the tibial insertion areas of the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral meniscus on preoperative radiographs.


METHODS
In 20 tibia heads, we prepared anterior and posterior horn insertions and marked their circumference with radiopaque steel balls of 1.6 mm in diameter. Standardized anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were made. On these radiographs, different landmarks were defined, their distances measured (tibial width and depth, distance from lateral tibia border to meniscus insertion midpoint, distance from anterior tibia border to meniscus insertion midpoint, distance from anterior and lateral tibia border to lateral intercondylar spine), and ratios determined.


RESULTS
The anterior horn midpoint is located at 45.1% +/- 1.3% of tibial width and 41.9% +/- 3.2% of tibial depth, and the posterior horn midpoint is located at 49.8% +/- 1.9% of tibial width and 72.1% +/- 2.3% of tibial depth. The statistical analysis of these measures showed a precise and constant positioning of the lateral meniscus insertions on the tibia plateau. We also found constant topographic relations to the lateral intercondylar spine.


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior and posterior lateral meniscus horn insertions can be determined on radiographs with a high precision and reproducibility.


CONCLUSIONS
We have developed a technique for precise radiographic tibial horn determination in lateral meniscus transplantation.
Wilmes
Philippe
P
Klinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany. p_wilmes@yahoo.com
Pape
Dietrich
D
Kohn
Dieter
D
Seil
Romain
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging