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Anatomy and Function

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The Management of Meniscal Pathology

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Abstract

The menisci are crescent-shaped, fibrocartilage structures that play important biomechanical, functional, and kinematic roles in the knee. Biomechanical testing has confirmed exponential increases in tibiofemoral peak contact pressure with serial reduction in meniscal tissue, with complete removal resulting in as high as 300% increase in peak contact load within the knee.

Clinically, removal of meniscal tissue, as well as meniscal tears themselves, have been associated with hastened cartilage deterioration and progression to osteoarthritis. Meniscal preservation when possible can delay this progression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, New York, NY, USA

    Samuel L. Baron

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Division, NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, New York, NY, USA

    Laith M. Jazrawi

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  1. Samuel L. Baron
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University, New York, USA

    Eric J. Strauss

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Division, NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, New York, USA

    Laith M. Jazrawi

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Baron, S.L., Jazrawi, L.M. (2020). Anatomy and Function. In: Strauss, E.J., Jazrawi, L.M. (eds) The Management of Meniscal Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49488-9_1

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