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Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences
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Background: The knee menisci are pivotal for knee biomechanics and stability, yet meniscal injuries remain prevalent, necessitating a detailed understanding of meniscal morphology for effective clinical management. This study investigates the morphometric variations of knee menisci and their implications for injury mechanisms and orthopedic interventions. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 cadavers with intact knee joints. Morphometric parameters of the medial and lateral menisci were measured using digital calipers. Statistical analysis, including correlation analyses and significance testing, was performed using SPSS version 23 to explore associations between meniscal dimensions and knee morphology. Results: Significant variations in meniscal dimensions were observed, both within individuals and between the medial and lateral menisci. Correlation analyses revealed nuanced relationships between different morphometric parameters. Notably, weak correlations were found between meniscal dimensions and the lengths of adjacent bones, suggesting a complex interplay between meniscal morphology and knee anatomy. For instance, the correlation coefficient between the length of the femur and the outer circumference of the right medial meniscus was 0.215 (p = 0.291), indicating a moderate positive correlation, although not statistically significant. Similarly, the correlation coefficient between the length of the tibia and the inner circumference of the left lateral meniscus was -0.315 (p = 0.091), suggesting a moderate negative correlation, which also did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into knee meniscal morphometry and its clinical implications. The findings emphasize the importance of considering meniscal dimensions in diagnosing and managing meniscal injuries. Despite limitations such as sample size and the use of cadaveric specimens, the results contribute to orthopedic knowledge and highlight the need for further research to validate and expand upon these findings.
The intricate anatomy of the knee joint, with its complex interplay of bones, ligaments, and cartilages, is fundamental to the wide range of movements and the stability it provides to the human body. Central to this anatomical masterpiece are the menisci, semilunar fibrocartilages that play pivotal roles in load distribution, shock absorption, and the facilitation of smooth knee articulations. These crucial structures, situated between the femoral condyles and the tibial plateaus, not only cushion the knee joint but also enhance its mechanical functionality and protect it against degenerative changes. Despite their resilience, menisci are not immune to injury, which can arise from a spectrum of activities ranging from daily motions to athletic endeavors, often leading to compromised knee function and an increased risk of osteoarthritis [1, 2, 3, 4].
The significance of meniscal integrity for knee health and functionality underscores the importance of a detailed understanding of its morphometry for the medical community. Variations in the size, shape, and structural properties of the menisci can influence both the susceptibility to injuries and the strategies for surgical interventions, including meniscal repair and transplantation. Hence, exploring the morphometric characteristics of the menisci and their implications on knee biomechanics and pathology is essential for advancing orthopedic practice and patient care [5, 6, 7, 8].
This study delves into the morphometric analysis of the knee menisci, aiming to elucidate their anatomical variations and establish a comprehensive understanding of their implications on meniscal injury mechanisms and the outcomes of surgical procedures. By bridging the gap between anatomical knowledge and clinical application, this research endeavors to provide valuable insights that could enhance diagnostic accuracy, refine surgical techniques, and inform the development of prosthetic solutions, ultimately improving the prognosis for individuals with meniscal injuries.
A) Aim
The primary aim of this research is to conduct a detailed morphometric analysis of the knee menisci to understand their anatomical variations and to assess the implications of these variations on the mechanisms of meniscal injury, as well as the outcomes of surgical interventions.
B) Objectives
A) Study Design
A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the knee joints of human cadavers, aiming to gather quantitative data on meniscal morphology. This design allowed for the direct measurement of meniscal parameters, providing a robust foundation for evaluating the implications of morphometric variations.
B) Study Setting
The research was carried out in the Department of Anatomy at SBKSMIRC, SVDU, Waghodia, Vadodara, utilizing specimens that included the distal part of the femur, the proximal parts of the tibia and fibula, and all knee joint structures.
C) Sample Size
A total of 30 cadavers (60 knee joints) were included in the study. The sample size was determined to be statistically significant for the analysis, based on previous studies and the application of appropriate statistical calculations to ensure 90% power and a 95% confidence interval.
D) Inclusion Criteria
Cadaveric specimens of both genders with normal knee joints were included.
E) Exclusion Criteria
Specimens with a history of knee surgery or traumatic injury were excluded.
F) Measurement Tools
Digital calipers were used for precise measurement of meniscal dimensions. Dissection tools were employed for the preparation of specimens, and a black ink marker was used to delineate anatomical landmarks and measurement points (Figure 1).
G) Procedure
Specimens were prepared by removing the capsuloligamentous structures while preserving essential ligaments and menisci. Detailed morphometric measurements, including the distances between the anterior and posterior horns, and the width and thickness at specified points, were taken using digital calipers.
H) Statistical Analysis
Data were recorded in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, and bivariate analysis was conducted to determine the correlations between meniscal dimensions and their implications. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
I) Ethical Considerations
The study adhered to ethical guidelines approved by the Ethics Committee of SBKSMIRC, SVDU, Waghodia, Vadodara, ensuring respect and confidentiality regarding the use of cadaveric material for research purposes.
Figure 2 presents a comprehensive overview of the morphometric characteristics of the meniscus, encompassing measurements of distance between horns, length between horns, width, and thickness. Each parameter is meticulously detailed for both the medial and lateral menisci of the right and left knees. Notably, the mean values, standard deviations, as well as minimum and maximum measurements are provided, offering a clear depiction of the variability and range within each parameter. For instance, in the right knee, the distance between the horns of the medial meniscus averages at 28.92 mm with a standard deviation of ±1.33 mm, while the width of the posterior 1/3 of the same meniscus measures 10.00 mm on average, ranging from 6.3 mm to 13.6 mm. Similarly, the lateral meniscus exhibits distinct dimensions, such as a mean distance between horns of 11.51 mm on the right knee and 11.70 mm on the left knee, with corresponding standard deviations and ranges provided. This comprehensive tabulation serves as a foundational reference for understanding the morphological variations of the meniscus, crucial for clinical assessment, surgical planning, and research endeavors within orthopedic practice.
