Functional biomechanical performance of a novel anatomically shaped polycarbonate urethane total meniscus replacement

Contains fulltext : 172591.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional biomechanical performance of a novel anatomically shaped, polycarbonate urethane total meniscus implant. METHODS: Five human cadaveric knees were flexed between 0 degrees and 90 degrees under compressive loads mimicking a squat movement. Anteroposterior (AP) laxity tests were performed in 30 degrees and 90 degrees flexion. Meniscal kinematics and knee laxity were quantified using roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. Tibial cartilage contact mechanics were determined in 90 degrees flexion. Measurements were repeated for the native medial meniscus, the implant, after total medial meniscectomy and allograft transplantation. RESULTS: The implant and allograft displayed increased posterior and medial displacements compared to the native meniscus, yet no differences were found between the implant and allograft. Meniscal condition did not affect rotational laxity. Compared to the native joint, AP laxity for the implant was increased in 30 degrees flexion, but not in 90 degrees . The implant reduced the mean contact pressure compared to meniscectomy but could not restore contact pressures to native meniscus levels. Compared to the native meniscus, the implant significantly increased the peak pressure, while the contact area was reduced. Contact mechanics of the implant and allograft were never statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Biomechanical performance was similar for the implant and allograft. However, both meniscal replacements could not restore outcomes to native meniscus levels or sufficiently improve outcomes after meniscectomy. This was presumably caused by the mobility allowed by the suture-only horn fixation. The similarity of implant and allograft performance suggests that the novel implant has the biomechanical potential to serve as an alternative to meniscal allograft transplantation