Analysis of the Efforts on the Horns of the Menisci of the Human Knee

The menisci of the human knee are often susceptible to injuries due to metabolic disorders or traumatic tears. Statistically, injuries predominantly occur at the juncture of the meniscus with the tibial plateau, specifically at the horns. These connections may be compromised by the failure of the jugal ligament. This study focuses on the mechanical efforts experienced by the horns of the menisci, which constrain meniscal movement on the glenoid. Six adult knee specimens were analyzed, preserved at -20 °C until testing. Specimens were loaded in the natural direction and fibers aligned parallel to the load. Key material properties such as linear stiffness (N/mm), elastic modulus (MPa), destructive load (N), final displacement (mm), ultimate strain (%), and ultimate stress (MPa) were assessed. Deformation distribution was studied across three junctions: anterior lateral (L-A), anterior medial (M-A), and posterior medial (M-P). Average cross-sectional area was approximately 109 mm², with joint lengths of 14 mm, 15 mm, and 16.5 mm for M-A, M-P, and L-A, respectively. Linear stiffness averaged 420 N/mm, 190 N/mm, and 325 N/mm for L-A, M-A, and M-P. Ultimate stress was 20 MPa for L-A and 11.5 MPa for M-A, with failure loads of 2500 N, 1082 N, and 1500 N for L-A, M-A, and M-P.