Exploring the Morphometric Variations of Knee Menisci: Implications for Meniscal Injury and Surgical Interventions in Orthopedic Practice

Abstract

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.