Abstract
BackgroundMeniscus extrusion is a serious and relatively frequent clinical problem. For this reason the role of different risk factors for this pathology is still the subject of debate. The goal of this study was to verify the results of previous theoretical work, based on the mathematical models, regarding a relationship between the cross-section shape of the meniscus and the risk of its extrusion.Materials and MethodsKnee MRI examination was performed in 77 subjects (43 men and 34 women), mean age 34.99 years (range: 18–49 years), complaining of knee pain. Patients with osteoarthritic changes (grade 3 and 4 to Kellgren classification), varus or valgus deformity and past injuries of the knee were excluded from the study. A 3-Tesla MR device was used to study the relationship between the shape of the lateral meniscus (using slope angle, meniscus-cartilage height and meniscus-bone angle) and the risk of extrusion.ResultsAnalysis revealed that with values of slope angle and meniscus-bone angle increasing by one degree, the risk of meniscus extrusion raises by 1.157 and 1.078 respectively. Also, an increase in meniscus-cartilage height by 1 mm significantly elevates the risk of extrusion. At the same time it was demonstrated that for meniscus-bone angle values over 42 degrees and slope angle over 37 degrees the risk of extrusion increases significantly.ConclusionsThis was the first study to demonstrate a tight correlation between slope angle, meniscus-bone angle and meniscus-cartilage height values in the assessment of the risk of lateral meniscus extrusion. Insertion of the above parameters to the radiological assessment of the knee joint allows identification of patients characterized by an elevated risk of development of this pathology.
Highlights
The menisci are fibrocartilaginous disks that play an important role in force distribution across the knee
The Lateral Meniscus and the Risk of Extrusion. This was the first study to demonstrate a tight correlation between slope angle, meniscusbone angle and meniscus-cartilage height values in the assessment of the risk of lateral meniscus extrusion
Meniscal tears are often not associated with symptoms, meniscal extrusion is strongly associated with frequency of knee pain because it may mechanically stress the joint capsule with pain receptors [4,7]
Summary
The menisci are fibrocartilaginous disks that play an important role in force distribution across the knee. The disruption of the meniscus causes the inability to generate hoop stress during load transmission and reduces mechanical protection of the cartilage. For this reason, meniscal extrusion is a risk factor for osteoarthritis progression and knee symptoms [3,4,5,6]. Meniscus extrusion is a serious and relatively frequent clinical problem. For this reason the role of different risk factors for this pathology is still the subject of debate. The goal of this study was to verify the results of previous theoretical work, based on the mathematical models, regarding a relationship between the cross-section shape of the meniscus and the risk of its extrusion
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