Trabecular bone strain changes resulting from partial and complete meniscectomy.

Previous studies have documented how partial and complete meniscectomy affect articular contact pressure, but changes in load transfer through the complete osteochondral structure of the proximal tibia after partial and complete meniscectomy are not well known. The current study measured trabecular bone strain changes in the medial tibial plateau resulting from partial and complete medial meniscectomy. Midcoronal sections were prepared from knees from cadavers. High quality digital images, made from contact radiographs of loaded samples, were compared with digital images of unloaded samples using in-house software to measure trabecular bone strain. Measurements were made on specimens with an intact medial meniscus, after removal of the inner (2/3) of the meniscus, and after complete meniscectomy. Partial meniscectomy caused minimal increases in trabecular bone strain throughout the proximal tibia. However specimens with complete meniscectomy had significant trabecular bone strain increases. Many patients sustaining meniscus tears are young, therefore, it is important to understand mechanical changes associated with partial meniscectomy. The data suggest partial meniscectomy causes little change in load transfer through the proximal tibia, supporting partial meniscectomy as a good surgical option for patients with meniscus tears.