The impact of loading on deformation about posteromedial meniscal tears

To simulate the effects of partial weight bearing on meniscal repair, full- thickness tears were produced in the posteromedial aspect of seven ACL-inta ct cadaveric knees. Following suture repair, metal markers were imbedded to index the position of the tear. A radiolucent chamber was used to position and toad each knee for computed tomography scanning at flexion angles of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees with and without a load force of 100 l b. Sutures were removed and the tests repeated. Changes in marker distances were obtained for each test condition. Loading produced average dimensiona l changes of less than or equal to 0.5 +/-0.6 mm in either sutured or unsut ured menisci. Based on the Friedman test, neither flexion angle, loading, n or suture exerted a significant impact (p greater than or equal to.52). The se data support clinical accelerated rehabilitation programs previously pub lished. Therefore, partial weight bearing during convalescence is tenable.