2019 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1067
The Peri-Meniscal Capsule May Contribute to the Circumferential Hoop Tension of the Meniscus Due to Its Fiber Thickness and Orientation
Xiang-Yun Yin, MD, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Do-Young Park, MD, PhD, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Jun-Young Chung, MD, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Byoung-Hyun Min, MD, PhD, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
FDA Status Not Applicable
Summary
The peri-meniscal capsule may play a role in maintaining the circumferential hoop tension of the meniscus due to the presence of circumferentially-oriented and thick peripheral capsule fibers, which show higher tensile modulus than adjacent capsular fibers.
Abstract
Introduction
The role of the meniscus is well studied but those of the adjacent capsule that wraps the meniscus (peri-meniscal capsule) has not been described. Since menisco-capsular separation may not only cause clinical symptoms but also adversely affect knee biomechanics, it is plausible that peri-meniscal capsule also plays a role in the stability and function of the meniscus. Therefore, the goal of this study was to analyze the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of peri-meniscal capsule in the knee joint thus establishing the roles of these tissues.
Methods
A total of 10 human cadaver knees were used in this study. Medial menisci and the adjacently surrounding joint capsules were harvested from two different sites from corresponding meniscus parts of anterior horn, body, and posterior horn; capsules adherent to the meniscus and capsules 1cm superior to the meniscocapsular junction. Capsular tissues were sectioned both axially and coronally, followed by electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Tensile strengths of each group were measured. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results
Among the capsules, the peri-meniscal capsules were morphologically different from the superiorly located capsules, showing thicker collagen fibers and circumferentially oriented fibers whereas the superior peri-meniscal capsule fibers were thinner and arranged in vertical orientation in all meniscal locations. The peri-meniscal capsule yielded significantly greater tensile modulus compared to the superior capsule in all meniscal locations.
Conclusion
The peri-meniscal capsule may play a role in maintaining the circumferential hoop tension of the meniscus due to the presence of circumferentially-oriented and thick peripheral capsule fibers, which show higher tensile modulus than adjacent capsular fibers.