Femorotibial weight-bearing areas. Experimental determination.

We measured the areas of the weight-bearing surfaces of the femorotibial joint of specimens subjected to a compressive force of between 225 and 250 kiloponds, which is considered a physiological load, exerted through the center of the knee. We found the areas to range from 20.13(2) to 11.60 cm2 from extension to flexion of the knee in normal knees, and from 12 cm2 to 6 cm2 after removal of the menisci.