Can a Polycarbonate-Urethane Meniscal Implant Protect Articular Cartilage? Histopathological Results in a Sheep Model

The menisci play an important role in the knee joint biomechanics [1]. Clinical studies have shown that the loss of the meniscus leads to degenerative arthritis attributed to the changes in load distribution and the loss of proprioception [2]. Clearly, there is a substantial need to protect the articular cartilage by either repairing or replacing the menisci. There are many difficulties dealing with both fresh frozen or cryopreserved allograft menisci, and the complexities of meniscal repairs may contribute to uneven distribution of load, instability and recurrence of degenerative damage. Hence there is a need for the development of an artificial meniscus that is available at the time of surgery in several sizes that can accommodate most patients.