A biomechanical study of the meniscofemoral ligaments and their contribution to contact pressure reduction in the knee.
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs) of the human knee assist the lateral meniscal function in reducing tibiofemoral contact pressure. Five human cadaveric knee joints were loaded in axial compression in extension using a 4-degree of freedom rig in a universal materials testing machine. Contact pressures pre- and post-sectioning of the MFLs were measured using pressure sensitive film. Sectioning the MFLs increased the contact pressure significantly in the joints for two of the four measures. In addition to their known function in assisting the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to resist tibiofemoral posterior drawer, the MFLs also have a significant role in reducing contact stresses in the lateral compartment. Their retention in PCL and meniscal surgery is therefore to be advised.
Amadi
Hippolite O
HO
Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Bessemer Building, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
Gupte
Chinmay M
CM
Lie
Denny T T
DT
McDermott
Ian D
ID
Amis
Andrew A
AA
Bull
Anthony M J
AM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D012399:Rotation