Function of the menisci in the load transfer within the knee joint

摘要

The aim of the study was to conduct strength analysis of a knee joint in order to experimentally determine the destructive fatigue loading under the conditions of cyclic compression. Animal joints were used as the study material. They were periodically subjected to variable axial loading. The degree of joint deformity and damage to articular surfaces and menisci were globally determined after isolation of the joint structures. The application of the variant of axial loading without slip and rolling results in the rupture of the medial meniscus, which is an important biotribological structure. Fatigue testing of the joints allowed for the determination of the parameters of biomechanical extortions, which lead to the loss of normal lubrication conditions and the degradation of the meniscus and cartilage structures on the femoral condyles.