The tibial subchondral plate. A scanning electron microscopic study.

Non-arthritic tibial plateaus were obtained from fifteen cadavera and five above-the-knee amputation specimens. After radiographs had been made, each sample was macerated and the topography of the subchondral plate was displayed by scanning electron microscopy. The surface features included small peripheral and submeniscal osteophytes, indentations, and holes penetrating the plate. The pattern of distribution of holes per square centimeter was different for the subchondral plate of the medial plateau than it was for that of the lateral plateau. More holes were present in the submeniscal area of the medial tibial plateau; the lateral tibial plateau showed a greater concentration of holes in its central area. By light microscopy, many holes were seen to be blood vessels that were lined by endothelium and contained erythrocytes.