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Popliteomeniscal fasciculi and lateral meniscal stability
P T Simonian1, P S Sussmann, M van Trommel
1Sports Medicine Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 16, 1997
Summary
The anteroinferior and posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fasciculi significantly enhance lateral meniscus stability. Disrupting these fasciculi increases meniscal motion, potentially causing mechanical symptoms during activities.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The lateral meniscus is crucial for knee joint stability.
- Popliteomeniscal fasciculi are key stabilizers of the lateral meniscus.
- Understanding their specific contributions is vital for diagnosing and treating knee injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively quantify the contribution of the anteroinferior and posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fasciculi to lateral meniscus stability.
- To evaluate the effect of sequential sectioning of these fasciculi on lateral meniscal motion.
Main Methods:
- A biomechanical model was used to assess lateral meniscus stability.
- Lateral meniscal motion was measured under a 10-N load before and after sequential sectioning of the fasciculi.
- The study accounted for limitations of arthroscopic evaluation.
Main Results:
- Intact fasciculi resulted in an average lateral meniscal motion of 3.6 mm.
- Disruption of the anteroinferior fascicle increased motion to 5.4 mm (50% increase).
- Disruption of both fasciculi increased motion to 6.4 mm (78% increase from intact).
Conclusions:
- Both popliteomeniscal fasciculi significantly contribute to lateral meniscus stability.
- Increased meniscal motion, even without locking, may lead to mechanical symptoms.
- Measuring increased lateral meniscal motion could aid diagnosis of fasciculi disruption.