Biomechanical Properties of Knee Menisci

The knee menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that play a pivotal role in load distribution, shock absorption and joint stability. Composed predominantly of water (approximately 70%) and a collagenous extracellular matrix (nearly 30%), their mechanical behaviour arises from a complex interplay of fibrous architecture, proteoglycan content and interstitial fluid flow. Circumferential collagen fibres resist tensile hoop stresses, while radial tie-fibres prevent longitudinal splitting. Under compression, fluid pressurisation within the porous matrix provides immediate stiffness, followed by time-dependent stress relaxation as fluid redistributes. This viscoelastic and poroelastic response ensures protection of articular cartilage and contributes to joint lubrication. Variation in regional composition, fibre orientation and hydration leads to anisotropy of tensile, compressive and shear properties. Degenerative changes, such as collagen network disorganisation and glycosaminoglycan depletion, alter stiffness, permeability and energy-dissipative capacity, accelerating osteoarthritic progression. Understanding these biomechanical properties is essential for the design of meniscal replacements, guided repair strategies and diagnostic tools for early degeneration.

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Biomechanical Properties of Knee Menisci publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomechanical properties of knee menisci across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Viscoelasticity: Time-dependent mechanical behaviour combining elastic (instantaneous) and viscous (rate-dependent) responses.

Poroelasticity: Material framework describing coupled solid deformation and fluid flow within a porous matrix.

Aggregate modulus: Equilibrium compressive stiffness of a porous tissue under confined compression when fluid pressure has dissipated.

Hydraulic permeability: Measure of ease with which interstitial fluid flows through the extracellular matrix under a pressure gradient.

Finite element model: Computational method dividing complex structures into discrete elements to predict mechanical response under specified loading.

References

1. In Situ Loading and Time‐Resolved Synchrotron‐Based Phase Contrast Tomography for the Mechanical Investigation of Connective Knee Tissues: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study. Advanced Science (2024).
2. The biomechanical properties of human menisci: A systematic review. Acta Biomaterialia (2023).
3. Non-invasive regional parameter identification of degenerated human meniscus. Computers in Biology and Medicine (2024).
4. Osteoarthritis-Related Degeneration Alters the Biomechanical Properties of Human Menisci Before the Articular Cartilage. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2021).