Meniscal replacement using a cryopreserved allograft. An experimental study in the dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Meniscal tears are common in dogs, leading to pain and lameness.
• Meniscal allografts offer a potential solution for restoring knee function.
• Evaluating the long-term viability and integration of allografts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the morphology and metabolic activity of cryopreserved medial meniscal allografts in dogs.
• To determine the functional integration and healing of allografts over a six-month period.
• To evaluate the impact of meniscal allografts on adjacent articular cartilage.

Main Methods:

• Medial meniscal allografts from cryopreserved canine tissue were transplanted into 14 adult dogs.
• Graft evaluation included histology, vascular-injection (Spalteholz) technique, and autoroentgenography (Na2(35)SO4 incorporation).
• Assessments were performed at intervals from two weeks to six months post-transplantation.

Main Results:

• Allografts maintained normal gross appearance and healed via fibrovascular scar tissue.
• A temporary decrease in metabolically active cells was observed, normalizing by three months.
• Normal Na2(35)SO4 uptake and cellular distribution were evident by three months post-transplantation.
• Cartilage beneath the allograft remained normal, while some degeneration occurred in uncovered areas.

Conclusions:

• Cryopreserved meniscal allografts appear to function normally following transplantation in dogs.
• The allografts demonstrate successful integration and metabolic recovery within three months.
• Meniscal allografts may protect the underlying articular cartilage from degeneration.