Meniscal remodeling following partial meniscectomy--an experimental study in the dog.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
The response of the meniscus to partial meniscectomy (in the avascular zone) was evaluated in 15 dogs. Following surgery 10 of the 15 dogs (67%) demonstrated a remodeling of the cut surface of the meniscus. This process appeared to begin with a fibrin clot which adhered to the meniscectomy surface. The organized clot was then populated by fibrocytes and eventually modulated into a fibrocartilage-like tissue by 12 weeks. The origin of the cells is unknown and may represent a migration of cells from the synovium, a proliferation of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, or both. The remodeling process appears to be associated with the presence of a fibrin clot, presumably from residual hemarthrosis. In those menisci that did not remodel [five of 15 (33%)], the meniscectomy surface remained relatively unchanged with no signs of progressive degeneration.
