We measured the areas of the weight-bearing surfaces of the femorotibial
joint of specimens subjected to a compressive force of between 225 and 250
kiloponds, which is considered a physiological load, exerted through the
center of the knee. We found the areas to range from 20.13(2) to 11.60 cm2
from extension to flexion of the knee in normal knees, and from 12 cm2 to 6
cm2 after removal of the menisci.