Male porcine stifle joint: Insights into osteology and meniscus anatomy for orthopaedic research

Introduction

Utilizing large animal model like male pig for biomechanical studies offers a cost-effective approach to understanding human joint and tissue mechanics. Our study explores the osteology and meniscus anatomy of the male porcine stifle joint and compares it to human knee joint parameters, aiming to provide a valuable reference for orthopaedic research and surgical training.

Methods

We examined 60 male porcine stifle joints and analyzed their menisci and bones. Dissections were meticulously performed, with measurements taken using digital Vernier calipers and ImageJ software. These dimensions included bone morphology and meniscal width, height, and volume, followed by statistical analysis using unpaired Student’s t-tests.

Results

The various measurements of bones and menisci indicated a high degree of anatomical similarity to human knees. The anterior width of the medial meniscus was 12.545 ± 1.763 mm, while the lateral meniscus was 14.99 ± 1.720 mm. The middle width of the medial meniscus was 12.065 ± 1.691 mm, compared to the lateral meniscus at 14.375 ± 1.732 mm. The posterior width was 15.25 ± 1.741 mm for the medial meniscus and 16.39 ± 1.662 mm for the lateral meniscus. The femoral intercondylar notch dimensions widened and became shallower with age, resembling the maturation patterns seen in human knee development. The average volume of the medial meniscus was 4.30 ± 0.13 ml, while the lateral meniscus was 5.9 ± 0.29 ml. The aspect ratio of the femoral condyles was 1.04 ± 0.04 (0.95–1.11), while the aspect ratio of the tibial condyles was 0.65 ± 0.02 (0.61–0.70), measured via digital Vernier calipers. These findings were statistically significant, showcasing the male porcine model’s relevance in replicating human knee mechanics (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Male porcine stifle joints present a valid and accessible model for knee anatomy research. Our study underscores the value of the male porcine model in understanding human knee joint biomechanics and supports its continued use in orthopaedic research and training. These findings have significant implications for advancing orthopaedic research methodologies and enhancing surgical training practices by providing a reliable and anatomically comparable model.