To preserve knee function, surgical repair is indicated when a
meniscal root disinsertion occurs. However, this surgery has not yet achieved
complete recovery of the joint´s natural biomechanics, with the meniscus-suture
interface identified as a potentially determining factor. Knowing the deformation
and resistance behavior of the sutured meniscal horn and whether these
properties are preserved as the patient ages could greatly contribute to
improving repair outcomes.
Regarding the influence of age on the sutured meniscal horn tissue,
in vitro experimentation revealed that meniscal horn specimens older than
75 years old had a more elastic tissue which was less resistant to cut-out than
younger menisci at the suture hole area. However, a thickening of the meniscal
horns with age, which was also found, leveled out the difference in the force that
initiated the tear, as well as in the maximum force borne by the meniscus in the
load-to-failure test.
