Quantitative MRI evaluation of the meniscus with and without applied load in patients 1-2 years following ACL reconstruction with meniscal surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is common in individuals who are involved in pivoting sports, and it is often accompanied by meniscus injuries. In order to preserve the injured meniscus, surgeons perform ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair, with the goal to improve overall knee function. Unfortunately, patients who undergo concomitant meniscal surgery with ACL reconstruction are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The goal of this study was to evaluate the response of the menisci in this patient population to externally applied load, with the aim to better understand meniscus function and increased risk of PTOA development.