Abstract
Extensive investigations over the recent decades have established the anatomical, biomechanical and functional importance of the meniscus in the knee joint. As a functioning part of the joint, it serves to prevent the deterioration of articular cartilage and subsequent osteoarthritis. To this end, meniscus repair and regeneration is of particular interest from the biomaterial, bioengineering and orthopaedic research community. Even though meniscal research is previously of a considerable volume, the research community with evolving material science, biology and medical advances are all pushing toward emerging novel solutions and approaches to the successful treatment of meniscal difficulties. This review presents a tactical evaluation of the latest biomaterials, experiments to simulate meniscal tears and the state-of-the-art materials and strategies currently used to treat tears.
Highlights
The knee is considered a hinge joint; because it features characteristics of an arthrodial joint, it is a more complex joint than other hinge joints such as the elbow and ankle
The menisci are fibrocartilagenous structures that sit on top of tibia to deepen the plateaus with the primary functions transmitting load through the joint and serve to increase joint stability and lubrication of the articular cartilage (Seedhom, Dowson & Wright, 1974; Walker & Erkman, 1975; McDermott, Masouros & Amis, 2008)
In the United States alone, it was estimated that approximately 6.6 million patient visits to the emergency department between 1999 and 2008 were due to knee injuries equating to 2.29 knee injuries per 1,000 people (Gage et al, 2012; Reid et al, 2017)
Summary
The knee is considered a hinge joint; because it features characteristics of an arthrodial joint, it is a more complex joint than other hinge joints such as the elbow and ankle. For meniscal repair the biomaterial must maintain their shape and integrity, mechanical stability and strength for the defect area in question until new host tissue has been regenerated.
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