Experimental measurement of tibiofemoral contact area in a meniscectomized ovine model using a resistive pressure measuring sensor.

Animal models are necessary for the development and analysis of surgical techniques in meniscal surgery because they are the only means of preclinically determining the influence of biological factors such as healing processes and joint remodeling. Furthermore, little is known about the biomechanical effect of meniscectomy in sheep. The aim of the study was thus to investigate the efficacy of using a resistive pressure measuring sensor to quantify the effect of chronic meniscectomy in an ovine model. Twelve sheep were divided into two groups (n = 6): a sham operated control group (A), and a medially meniscectomized group (B). After six months, lower limb specimens were loaded with a joint-compressive force of 500 N during which the pressure measuring sensor was positioned underneath the meniscus to determine contact area, mean and peak contact pressure. A significant reduction in contact area of about 55% was observed in the meniscectomized knees compared to the controls. Peak contact pressure of the meniscectomized knees significantly increased an average of 260.4% compared to the control knees. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the resistive pressure measuring sensors provide a means to experimentally measure tibiofemoral contact mechanics even in this relatively small (compared to human) animal model.