Translational models for studying meniscal repair and replacement: what they can and cannot tell us

Advances in clinical practice often have their roots in basic science investigations that provide the proof of principle of the treatment concept in question. However, if these concepts are to become reality, they first must be tested in translational animal models to confirm both safety and efficacy. The need to identify appropriate translational models in musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative repair is of critical importance. This is especially true in meniscal research, where the functional anatomy of the structure is directly related to its contribution to the complex biomechanics of the joint and its role in chondroprotection. While no one animal model has established itself as the most appropriate for all aspects of meniscal research, several species have been used to successfully test specific hypotheses. A careful and comprehensive comparison must always be done to validate the utility of a specific animal model. Therefore, it is the purpose of this article to provide an overview of the considerations involved when selecting a translational model for meniscal research.