ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the biomechanical effects of lateral meniscus posterior root (LMPR) tears fixed at different suture positions, so as to investigate the optimal suture method for repairing LMPR tears. Methods Eight fresh cadaveric knees were used. Each knee was tested under 6 conditions: intact knee, ruptur of LMPR, suture of LMPR to the center point of root insertion, suture of LMPR posterior, interior and later 5 mm to the center point of root insertion, respectively. The peak contact pressure, the average contact pressure and contact area were evaluated using a Tek-scan sensor positioned between the meniscus and tibial plateau, under 1 kN compressive loading, at 0 degree knee extension. Results In the lateral compartment, the average contact pressure and peak pressure significantly increased under rupture of LMPR compared with the intact state (P0.05). Conclusions The average contact pressure, the peak contact pressure and the contact area between the lateral meniscus and the tibial plateau changed obviously due to the LMPR tears. When the suture position was 5 mm lateral to the center point of root insertion, similar biomechanical function with the intact knee could be obtained.