Description
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease, particularly affecting the knee joint. The menisci, vital structures in the knee, have been implicated in OA development. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes in both medial and lateral menisci in varus-deformed knees and their correlation with preoperative clinical outcomes. The research included 34 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for end-stage gonarthrosis. Histopathological assessments, utilizing the classical Bonar score and its modifications, were performed on excised menisci. The study found no significant histological differences between medial and lateral menisci in varus knees. Additionally, the inclusion of a lacuna variable, assessing fibroblast transformation into chondrocyte-like cells, provided a novel insight, revealing a positive correlation between meniscal tissue degeneration and preoperative functional scores. The study underscores the whole-joint nature of OA and suggests that microscopic examination, especially considering the lacuna variable, may offer a link between histopathology and preoperative functional status. Further research is warranted to explore the significance of cellular changes in OA development.
