Abstract
Purpose
Meniscoids are folds of synovial membrane that project into the articular cavities of zygapophyseal joints throughout the cervical spine. These structures have been implicated in musculoskeletal neck pain; however, their anatomy has not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the morphometry and composition of the cervical zygapohyseal joint meniscoids.
Methods
Twelve adult cadaveric hemi-spines were dissected and their C2–3 to C6–7 zygapophyseal joints disarticulated (six female; six left; mean 81.5 years, SD 7.3 years). Meniscoids were identified and their surface area, protrusion length and articular cartilage degeneration measured. Specimens were then sectioned sagittally, stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and examined with a light microscope. Data were analysed descriptively and using non-parametric hypothesis testing (significance p < 0.05).
Results
Meniscoids were identified in 86 % of zygapophyseal joints examined; 50 % contained both ventral and dorsal meniscoids, 7 % contained a ventral meniscoid only and 29 % contained a dorsal meniscoid only. Meniscoids were classified as adipose (4 %), fibrous (74 %), or fibroadipose (22 %) based upon histological composition. There were no significant associations between meniscoid size (surface area or protrusion length) and gender, position in joint, spinal level, or articular degeneration. Increased articular degeneration was associated with fibrous meniscoid classification.
Conclusions
The morphological patterns observed, such as the association of fibrous meniscoids with cartilage degeneration, may provide insight into the significance of the zygapophyseal joint meniscoids in neck pathology. Further investigation is needed to explore the morphological qualities of these structures in a pathological population.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Dr. Jonathan Broadbent for sourcing equipment, Assoc. Prof. Phil Sheard for his advice regarding the methodology, and Brynley Crosado and Amanda Fisher for their technical expertise. The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge those who have kindly donated their bodies. This study was funded by The University of Newcastle Research Training Scheme. SF is supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award scholarship.
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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
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Farrell, S.F., Osmotherly, P.G., Cornwall, J. et al. The anatomy and morphometry of cervical zygapophyseal joint meniscoids. Surg Radiol Anat 37, 799–807 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1406-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1406-3