Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center

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Information about project titled 'Biomechanical effects of meniscal ramp lesion on ACL reconstruction graft force'

Biomechanical effects of meniscal ramp lesion on ACL reconstruction graft force

Details about the project - category Details about the project - value
Project status: Ongoing
Project manager: Nicholas DePhillipo
Supervisor(s): Lars Engebretsen, Robert LaPrade

Description

Background: Ramp lesions of the medial meniscus are known to have a close association with ACL tears, occurring in about 9-19% of acute ACL tears. There is a paucity of research on the kinematic results of meniscal ramp lesions. However not much is known regarding their effects on ACL reconstruction graft forces and tibiofemoral contact pressures.

Aim: To evaluate the biomechanical effects of meniscal ramp lesions on ACL reconstruction graft force and tibiofemoral contact pressures.

Methods: Ten fresh frozen human cadaveric knee specimens will be used. The knees will be subjected to ground reaction forces during a simulated squat maneuver of an average weight athlete and force associated with landing from a 60 cm height or landing from 23in (an above average vertical jump, slightly below average for professional athletes). The testing conditions will be: intact state, ACL reconstruction with meniscal ramp tear, and ACL reconstruction with meniscal ramp repair. Knees will be tested at 0º, 15º, 30º, 60º, and 90º of flexion. For each state, ACL reconstruction graft force and tibiofemoral contact pressures of the posteromedial tibial plateau will be measured.

Implications: The results of this study will provide information regarding the effects of an untreated meniscal ramp lesion and its effect on ACL reconstruction graft force. If force is increased with ramp tear and decreased with ramp repair, this study will validate the biomechanical importance of repairing meniscal ramp lesions at time of ACL reconstruction to reduce potential risk of ACL reconstruction failure.