A Prognosis Study on Xenogenic and Allogenic Meniscus Transplantation for Meniscus Deficiency Repair in Rabbit's Knee / 中国运动医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the prognosis of the implanted xenogenic and allogenic menisci, and the implanted menisci's protection effects on articular cartilage. Methods 30 adult New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into two groups and the medial meniscus defection models were established by medial meniscectomy. Allogenic medial menisci implantation were done in group A. Small pieces of menisci tissue were taken from pig meniscus and moulded them as the same shape and size as rabbit's medial menisci,then, xenogenic menisci implantation were done in group B with these moulded grafts. 6, 12 and 24 weeks after the operations, rabbits were sacrificed to observe the implanted menisci and the articular cartilage on medial tibial plateau, medial femoral condylus and femoral trochlea with naked eye and histological method. Results After allogenic meniscus transplantation, the state of implanted meniscus was good, and healed well around the capsula. 24 weeks post allogenic meniscus transplantation, the injury of the articular cartilage was not in evidence. In short time post xenogenic meniscus transplantation, the state of meniscus and cartilage was good and after 24 weeks the xenogenic meniscus was dissolved and absorbed, the articular cartilage also showed degeneration and injury. Conclusion With xenogenic meniscus moulded from pig meniscus tissue,the implanted meniscus was resolved and absorbed and the cartilage degeneration also appeared after half a year. Post allogenic meniscus transplantation, the meniscus structure and function were reconstructed well and the articular cartilage was also well protected.