Measurement of Meniscal Slope Angles in Normal Korean using MRI

Kim, Hyoung Soo; Lee, Young Jae

Abstract

PURPOSES: We measured the meniscal slope angles in normal Korean using MRI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Knee MRI was taken in 76 adults who complained of knee pain without the history of knee joint disease, trauma such as cruciate ligaments injury or meniscal tear. Slope angles of medial and lateral meniscus in the sagittal plane and coronal plane were measured. We analyzed the change between the age of 10 years and 50 years to determine the normal range of slope angles of medial and lateral meniscus in the sagittal and coronal plane.
RESULTS
The average slope angles of medial and lateral meniscus in the sagittal plane were 4.1+/-2.1 degree (1.5-8 degree) and 3.6+/-2.5 degree (1-10 degree) respectively. This result shows that anterior slope angle was larger in medial than in lateral meniscus ( p<0.05 ). The average meniscal slope angle in the coronal plane was 1.4+/-1.1 degree, and there was a inclination of varus direction ( p>0.05 ). Comparison of the results demonstrated that when the mean age of the patients is increased, the measured mean meniscal slope angles in the sagittal plane and coronal plane are reversely diminished. However there were no correlation and statistical significance between the results ( medial sagittal plane: p=0.31, lateral sagittal plane: p=0.82, coronal plane : p=0.63).
CONCLUSION
The meniscal slope angles should be considered as morphological factor of meniscus and soft tissue to perform the reconstructive surgery such as total knee arthroplasty, high tibial osteotomy and meniscal transplantation.