[Biomechanical study on contact pressure in the femoro-tibial joint]

To clarify the function of the menisci, dynamic contact pressure in femoro-tibial joints obtained from postmortem or surgical specimens with intact menisci, following partial and total meniscectomy was measured using transistor pressure transducers and Buldon tube pressure gauges. After meniscectomy, the peak contact pressure increased strikingly and contact area decreased markedly. The lower contact pressure after partial meniscectomy than after total meniscectomy is probably one reason why the results of partial meniscectomy are clinically much better than those of total meniscectomy. With flexion of the knee, the region of peak contact pressure shifted posteriorly and high contact pressure was detected below the posterior segment of the medial meniscus. Stress release in articular cartilage varies from region to region, and occurs remarkably after meniscectomy. These findings suggest that the main function of the menisci is load bearing and protection of the cartilage from overload applied to the knee joint.