Effects of meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament transection on rabbit knee joint in-vitro mechanics and cartilage gross morphology.

Abstract

The effects of meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament transection on knee joint compression compliance, capacity of energy storage and cartilage gross morphology were studied in rabbits six and 12 weeks postoperatively. Joints with meniscectomy and intact ligaments at 12 weeks had a similar joint compression compliance as sham-operated joints with intact menisci, but had moderate unicompartmental osteoarthritis. Further, the capacity of energy storage of such a joint was reduced. Knees with anterior cruciate ligament transection had a higher joint compression compliance than knees with intact joint structures. Anterior cruciate ligament transection caused severe cartilage degeneration of both knee compartments at 6 weeks, but in knees with intact menisci the tibial cartilage was better preserved than in knees with meniscectomy. Synovitis was pronounced in anterior cruciate ligament transected knees. In conclusion, meniscectomy reduced the capacity of energy storage of the joint and was followed by moderate unicompartmental cartilage degeneration at 12 weeks. Anterior cruciate ligament transection especially when combined with meniscectomy led during a similar observation period to more dramatic effects on joint compression compliance and morphology.