Three-dimensional sectional anatomy of the meniscus of knee joint

Objective To provide the morphological basis for the imaging diagnosis of the meniscusby observation of the sectional anatomic properties of the meniscus.Methods A total of 27 sides of adult genicular specimens were used,and 6 serial transverse,9 sagittal,12 coronal sections of 5mm in thickness were made respectively.The meniscus on three-dimensional section was observed.Results The radius vector of medial meniscus was(40.36±4.73)mm and the transverse diameter(33.99±3.77)mm;the radius vector of lateral meniscus was(34.51±2.18)mm and the transverse diameter(34.51±3.25)mm.The thickness of the anterior and posterior parts of the medial meniscus was(4.98±1.83)mm and(4.45±1.44)mm,and that of the lateral meniscus was(3.54±1.24) mm and(6.15±1.43)mm.The posterior horn's height of lateral meniscus was higher than that of medial meniscus.The posterior horn's height of lateral meniscus was higher than that of the anterior horn.The posterior horn's width of medial meniscus was higher than that of anterior horn.The incidence of meniscofemoral ligament was about 75%.Conclusions ①The anterior and posterior parts of the meniscus can be better displayed in sagittal planes and the caudomedial parts can be observed better in coronal planes.The whole meniscus can be seen in transverse planes.②The medial meniscus connects with articular capsule inseparably and the width of posterior horn is higher than that of anterior horn,so it's easy to be injured.③The posterior horn's height of lateral meniscus was higher than that of medial meniscus and its anterior horn,therefore it would be one of the reasons that posterior horn of lateral meniscus be injured readily.