Influence of the Meniscus Status on Knee Kinematics in the ACL-Deficient Knee (SS-64)

Abstract

Evaluation of knee laxity in the ACL-deficient knee with combined meniscal tear, meniscal suture and partial medial meniscectomy. Kinematics of the intact knee were determined in 20 human cadaver specimens in response to a 134-N anterior tibial load (aTT) as well as a combined rotatory load of 10 Nm valgus and 4 Nm internal tibial rotation using a robotic/universal force moment sensor testing system. The anterior cruciate ligament was resected. Subsequently, a medial meniscus tear was created following a standard meniscus repair using horizontal inside-out stitches or a partial medial meniscectomy. Knee kinematics were calculated following every sub-step. Significant increase of anterior tibial translation was found in the ACL-deficient knee compared to the intact knee at 30° and 90° of flexion (p=.003;p=.009). Additional rupture of the medial meniscus significantly increased anterior tibial translation (p=.0001). In response to a simulated pivot shift, anterior tibial translation of the intact knee did not increase significantly after ACL resection. However, ACL deficiency with an additional medial meniscus tear led to a significant increase compared to the intact knee at 30° of flexion (p=.05). The meniscus status does have a significant impact on knee kinematics in the ACL-deficient knee. Additional injury of the medial meniscus increased aTT as well as aTT under a combined rotatory load.