Abstract
This study assessed a fresh medial meniscal allograft transplantation model in the rabbit knee. Biological characterization included assessment of collagen remodeling of the allograft and the potential protection against cartilage degeneration. Allograft transplantation was performed on the left knee, and total meniscectomy on the right knee. Forty-seven rabbits were operated on and assessed at 9, 12, and 26 weeks. Fresh medial meniscal allografts showed collagen remodeling that paralleled the revascularization and cellular proliferation of the allografts. Revascularization was shown as early as 9 weeks from the periphery, extending to the inner one-third of the allograft by 26 weeks. Viability assessment of the meniscal allograft cells showed live cells at the periphery of the allograft at 9 and 12 weeks. At time 0, i.e., the time of the transplant, few viable cells were observed within the donor tissues. Biochemically, collagen remodeling, in terms of increased reducible collagen crosslinks, i.e., dihydroxylysino-norleucine, and the percentage of collagen present, was seen throughout the 26-week observation period. At 26 weeks, the meniscal allografts inhibited degenerative changes of the femoral and tibial cartilage compared to results with total meniscectomy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
