Effect of patellar meniscus on patellofemoral contact stress in total knee arthroplasty

The effect of a meniscus of fibrous tissue (patellar meniscus), on patellofemoral contact area and stresses was evaluated. Two knees with total knee arthroplasty and dome-shaped patellar components were retrieved at autopsy. Both had substantial fibrous menisci surrounding the dome of the patellar component. Contact area and contact stresses were measured with a digital electronic sensor, first with the patellar meniscus intact, then again after the patellar meniscus was removed. No dramatic difference was detected in patellofemoral contact area and contact stresses between the patellas with an intact or removed patellar meniscus, and there was no detectable load under the patellar meniscus. The results of this case study suggest that fibrous tissue surrounding the dome-shaped patellar component does not share compressive loads with the patellar component.