Interactive biomechanical effects between medial meniscus anterior horn transverse tears and osteoarthritic degeneration: a finite element simulation analysis

• Reduced bone mass and osteoporosis significantly increase joint stress loads in both normal and injured medial meniscus models under static standing. • Medial meniscus anterior horn transverse tears progressively increase stress on femoral cartilage and menisci, while tibial cartilage stress decreases with bone loss. • Subchondral bone exhibits elevated stress and strain under reduced bone density, particularly after meniscus injury, indicating a synergistic biomechanical effect. • The study highlights the need to consider bone density status in clinical treatment strategies for meniscus tears to prevent osteoarthritis progression.