Possibility of Meniscal Repair for Degenerative and Horizontal Tears

Abstract

The meniscus does not regenerate once it has been removed because of trauma; secondary osteoarthritic changes occur due to the loss of meniscal function, including alterations in load distribution, impact absorption, and articular sliding and stabilization. To preserve the meniscus, many surgeons perform meniscal repairs for red-red tears and red-white tears when possible. However, meniscal repair for degenerative tears and white-white tears is challenging [1 3]. Previously, we reported that in the ruptured fragments of trauma-injured menisci, collagen types II and III disappear first, followed by collagen type I, resulting in the abrogation of fiber construction. It is assumed that these functions are lost because insufficient nutrition is supplied to the meniscal cells in the ruptured fragments. Meniscal function of the rupture fragment cannot be maintained as most meniscal cells have disappeared;