Replacement of the rabbit medial meniscus with a polyester-carbon fibre bioprosthesis

Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent prosthetic replacement of the meniscus which was attached to the intercondylar area of the tibia through a predrilled hole and around the internal surface of the capsule by sutures, in one knee, and meniscectomy alone in the contralateral knee. The animals were killed 3 and 6 month after implantation. Fragmentation of carbon fibres was noted in six knee joints. Histological sections demonstrated more progressive articular cartilage degeneration of the tibial surface which had the meniscus removed alone (P = 0.05). The implant was incorporated into the capsule with minimal invasion of fibrous tissue into the interstices of the prosthesis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the extent of articular cartilage fibrillation which was more evident in the area where the meniscus covered the tibia.