Healing potential of experimental meniscal tears in the rabbit. Preliminary results

This study assessed the healing potential of longitudinal or transverse incisions in the peripheral, central, and inner rim regions of rabbit medial menisci. Longitudinal and transverse incisions were made in 48 male New Zealand white rabbits. The incisions were either repaired with sutures or left open. The effect of joint motion on repair was also evaluated. In one group, longitudinal incisions were made in the peripheral, central, and inner rim regions of the meniscus. Some of these incisions were sutured, whereas others were not repaired. In another group, transverse incisions were made in the meniscus, extending from the inner rim to the middle of the meniscus or to the peripheral attachment (radial tear). Again, the lesions were left open or repaired. The effect of joint motion on healing was assessed by immobilizing several knees from each group with Kirschner wires temporarily for ten weeks. Suture of the meniscus incision did not substantially affect the rate of healing. When the healing rates of menisci at the periphery, body, and rim were compared, incisions at the periphery healed significantly better than incisions at the meniscal body and central rim regions. K-wire immobilization did not substantially affect the rate of healing. The difference in healing with regard to the type of incision, either longitudinal or transverse, was not statistically significant.