Forward lunge knee biomechanics before and after partial meniscectomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Meniscectomy increases osteoarthritis risk in the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints.
• Osteoarthritis is a mechanical disease, necessitating understanding of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) effects on knee mechanics.
• Evaluating biomechanical changes post-APM is crucial for managing knee health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess alterations in knee joint biomechanics during a forward lunge after APM.
• To compare pre- and post-operative biomechanics in patients with degenerative medial meniscal tears.
• To understand the functional implications of these biomechanical changes.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two patients (35-55 years) with suspected degenerative medial meniscal tears were studied.
• Three-dimensional knee biomechanics were assessed before and three months after APM.
• Pain, sport/recreation function, and knee confidence were evaluated using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Reduced external peak knee flexion moment in the operated leg compared to the contralateral leg (p=0.004).
• Decreased peak knee flexion angle in the operated leg (p=0.001).
• No significant change in knee pain, but improved self-reported sport/recreation function (p=0.004).

Conclusions:

• Patients adopt a strategy of reduced knee flexion post-APM during lunges.
• This altered biomechanical strategy may help limit excessive patellar loads.
• Despite biomechanical changes, patients report functional improvements in strenuous activities.