Investigating the Effects of Age and Osteoarthritic Bone Damage on the Size of Knee Joint Ligaments: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the impact of age and osteoarthritis on knee ligament dimensions including the patellar, cruciate, and collateral ligaments.

Methods: Measurements were taken using digital calipers in 18 dissected cadaveric knee joints, including knee joint ligament lengths, thicknesses, and widths, as well as tibial condylar width and intercondylar notch width. Percent degeneration of the articular cartilage due to osteoarthritis was assessed with surface area measurements.

Results: When controlling for tibial condylar width and age in a linear regression, the cartilage degeneration due to osteoarthritis is significantly negatively correlated with the intercondylar notch width, lengths of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, and the width of the anterior cruciate ligament. Results of the linear regression also indicate a significant positive correlation between tibial condylar width and the anterior cruciate ligament width and the lengths of the patellar ligament, both cruciate ligaments, and both collateral ligaments. Surprisingly, age positively correlated with the lengths of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, and the width and thickness of the anterior cruciate ligament, suggesting possible compensatory hypertrophy in response to joint instability.

Conclusion: The findings emphasize that osteoarthritis affects knee ligaments' structure, potentially leading to ligament atrophy and decreased joint stability. Clinically, these results highlight the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies that address all joint tissues. Further research with larger and more diverse samples and advanced imaging techniques is recommended to deepen understanding and improve management of knee osteoarthritis and ligament pathologies.