Experimental and Finite Element Investigations on the Biomechanical Effects of Meniscal Tears in the Knee Joint: A Review

Abstract

The knowledge of the complex biomechanical behaviour of the injured knee joints is of paramount importance in various clinical situations. A review of the biomechanical effects of meniscal tears based on experimental and finite element analysis has not been reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to present a review of experimental and finite element investigations on the consequences of meniscal tears such as longitudinal, radial, horizontal cleavage and root tears in the medial and lateral menisci. It is found that larger longitudinal tear in the medial meniscus has a significant impact on the magnitude of strain in the meniscus associated with a dramatic increase in CP in the tibial cartilage. Also, the untreated fragment of the torn meniscus leads to a significant rise in contact pressure in the cartilage resulting in the progressive degeneration of the cartilage surface. The radial tears in the lateral meniscus of more than 66% width and those in the medial meniscus of more than 75% width result in a substantial increase in the contact pressure in the cartilage compared to that in the intact knee joint. The root tears in the menisci demonstrate a significant influence on the biomechanical response of the knee joint. The results of finite element analysis studies are compared with experimental findings. Finally, some recommendations for future work are proposed to predict the realistic biomechanical response of the knee joints with meniscal tears. The results of this study present a rationale that could help surgeons in making clinical decisions when managing patients with meniscal tears.