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Partial medial meniscectomy and rotational differences at the knee during walking
Nathan A Netravali1, Nicholas J Giori, Thomas P Andriacchi
1Bone and Joint Center, Palo Alto VA, Palo Alto, CA, USA. nan4@stanford.edu
Journal of Biomechanics
|August 20, 2010
Summary
Partial medial meniscectomy (PMM) alters knee mechanics during walking, causing increased tibial external rotation and reduced moments. This may contribute to osteoarthritis development after meniscal injury.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Meniscal function is crucial for knee health, and its loss increases osteoarthritis risk.
- Understanding knee kinematics during walking after meniscal injury is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of partial medial meniscectomy (PMM) on knee kinematics and kinetics during walking.
- To compare gait parameters between PMM limbs and healthy contralateral limbs.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with PMM underwent gait analysis during normal walking.
- Kinematic and kinetic data were collected for the stance phase of gait.
- PMM limbs were compared to healthy contralateral limbs and a matched control group.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in tibial external rotation (3.2°) was observed in PMM limbs throughout stance phase.
- PMM limbs showed significantly lower peak flexion and extension moments.
- No significant differences were found between contralateral limbs and controls.
Conclusions:
- PMM alters knee rotational alignment and joint loading during walking.
- These kinematic changes may lead to altered tibio-femoral contact and contribute to cartilage degeneration.
