Effect of Injury to the Lateral Meniscotibial Ligament and Meniscofibular Ligament on Meniscal Extrusion: Biomechanical Evaluation of the Capsulodesis and Centralization Techniques in a Porcine Knee Model

Background: Previous biomechanical studies of the meniscotibial ligament have determined that it contributes to meniscal stability. An injury to it can cause the meniscus to extrude, and reconstruction of that ligament significantly reduces extrusion. Purpose: To assess the biomechanical effects of sectioning the lateral meniscotibial ligament (LMTL) and the meniscofibular ligament (MFL) with respect to the radial mobility of the lateral meniscus and to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the capsulodesis and centralization techniques. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The lateral meniscus of 22 porcine knees was evaluated. They were mounted on a testing apparatus to apply muscle and ground-reaction forces. The meniscus was evaluated at 30° and 60° of knee flexion using 2 markers placed on the posterior cruciate ligament and the lateral meniscus after applying an axial compression of 200 N to the knee joint. Measurements were recorded under 5 conditions: intact lateral meniscus, injury of the LMTL, subsequent injury of the MFL, the use of the open capsulodesis technique, and the reconstruction of the LMTL and the MFL with the centralization technique. Results: The distance between the 2 markers was significantly greater in the extrusion group (combined lesion of the LMTL and MFL) than in the intact or reconstruction groups (capsulodesis and centralization techniques; P