Abstract
The menisci are a pair of semilunar fibrocartilage structures that play an essential role in maintaining normal knee function. Injury to the menisci can disrupt joint stability and lead to debilitating results. Because natural meniscal healing is limited, an efficient method of repair is necessary. Tissue engineering (TE) combines the principles of life sciences and engineering to restore the unique architecture of the native meniscus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated for their therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo. This comprehensive review examines the English literature identified through a database search using Medline, Embase, Engineering Village, and SPORTDiscus. The search results were classified based on MSC type, animal model, and method of MSC delivery/culture. A variety of MSC types, including bone marrow-derived, synovium-derived, adipose-derived, and meniscus-derived MSCs, has been examined. Research results were categorized into and discussed by the different animal models used; namely murine, leporine, porcine, caprine, bovine, ovine, canine, equine, and human models of meniscus defect/repair. Within each animal model, studies were categorized further according to MSC delivery/culture techniques. These techniques included direct application, fibrin glue/gel/clot, intra-articular injection, scaffold, tissue-engineered construct, meniscus tissue, pellets/aggregates, and hydrogel. The purpose of this review is to inform the reader about the current state and advances in meniscus TE using MSCs. Future directions of MSC-based meniscus TE are also suggested to help guide prospective research.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0077-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The menisci are a pair of semilunar fibrocartilage structures well recognized to contribute to the maintenance of normal knee function, facilitating joint stability, load distribution, and joint lubrication
The role and effectiveness of Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) isolated from different anatomical locations and animal models have been investigated using a wide range of culture/delivery techniques
A comprehensive review of the literature suggests that MSCs possess an intrinsic therapeutic potential that can directly and indirectly contribute to meniscus healing
Summary
The menisci are a pair of semilunar fibrocartilage structures well recognized to contribute to the maintenance of normal knee function, facilitating joint stability, load distribution, and joint lubrication. Meniscus repair is of special interest to orthopedic clinicians and researchers because the menisci are frequently susceptible to injury in a diverse patient population [4,5,6]. Yu et al Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2015) 6:86 functional and radiological outcomes, but approximately one-third of collagen meniscus implant patients do not receive any benefit and improved, well-designed, long-term studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of collagen meniscus implantation [21]. A current update on Actifit® notes that while preliminary published data appear promising, there are currently no mediumterm or long-term data available for the scaffold [22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
