An axisymmetric finite element analysis of the mechanical function of the meniscus

Abstract

From a simple axisymmetric finite element model the meniscus appears to contribute significantly to load transmission in the knee joint. The presence of a meniscal structure causes a considerable reduction of stresses in the femorotibial contact area. In the geometrical configuration, chosen in the present study, the inner half of the meniscus accounts for the major part of meniscal load transmission. The axial compression of the joint and the radially outward displacement of the meniscus depend nonlinearly on the axial joint load. The combination of material properties of bone and meniscal tissue is found to be more important for the amount of meniscal load transmission than the dimensions of the meniscus. The results of this theoretical analysis support experimental findings reported in the literature on the load-carrying function of the meniscus.