Impiego degli “scaffold” nel trattamento delle lesioni meniscali: risultati clinici

Abstract

In recent years it has been proposed the use of scaffolds, in different materials, for the regeneration of a meniscal-like tissue to treat partial meniscus defects, in order to avoid the degenerative changes following the meniscectomy. This study reports the results of the clinical use of currently available scaffolds: Menaflex — collagen and Actifit — polyurethane. 21 patients treated with collagen scaffolds with a minimum 10 years’ follow-up and patients 19 treated with polyurethane scaffolds with a minimum 1 year’s follow-up were studied prospectively. The indication for scaffold implantation was an irreparable meniscus lesion or continuous pain after previous partial meniscectomy. The subjects were evaluated clinically and with MRI. In all patients there was a significant clinical improvement during the first months after surgery. In all patients but one the positive results were unchanged at the last follow-up. The MRI study showed a possible chondroprotective effect of the implant and a progressive maturation of the regenerated tissue. The scaffolds for meniscus regeneration can be considered a viable option to manage meniscus defects.