Role of the anterior intermeniscal ligament in tibiofemoral contact mechanics during axial joint loading

Abstract

The anterior intermeniscal ligament (AIML) is an anatomically distinct structure that connects the anterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. We hypothesized that both menisci work together as a unit in converting axial joint loading into circumferential hoop stresses, due to intermeniscal attachments. Therefore, loss of the AIML could lead to increased tibiofemoral contact stress and predispose to arthritic change. In this cadaveric study, we compared tibiofemoral contact pressures on axial loading, before and after sectioning of the AIML. Five fresh frozen human cadaveric knees were mounted on a linear x–y motion table and loaded in extension under axial compression of 1800N (about 2.5 times body weight for a 70kg individual), using a materials testing machine. Tibiofemoral contact pressures before and after sectioning of the AIML were measured using resistive pressure sensors. Contrary to our hypothesis, sectioning of the AIML produced no statistically significant increase in mean contact pressure, peak contact pressure or change in contact area, in either the medial or lateral compartment of the knees. This implies that the menisci work independently in converting axial loads into circumferential hoop stresses, and is probably due to their individual root attachments to the tibia. Based on this study, inadvertent sectioning of the AIML during knee surgery, e.g., arthroscopy, anterograde tibia nailing, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscus transplantation and unicondylar knee replacement, is functionally insignificant.