[Transplantation of the meniscus in dogs--preliminary report]

A preliminary investigation of the allogenic transplantation of the meniscus without the vascular bundle was carried out in 4 adult dogs with 8 knees. In one operation session on 2 dogs at 2 operative tables and with two operative teams an identical surgical procedure in general anaesthesia was done. A medial parapatellar incision of the knee was used, the medial capsule and the collateral ligament near its proximal insertion were severed. Explanted medial menisci were exchanged and the meniscus from the other dog was put in position of the explanted one and fixed with 3 tangentially placed sutures (posterior, medial and anterior) which were taken out through the capsule and teid extra-articularly; there was no immobilisation, and after 3 weeks the identical operation was done on the other knee. The animals were sacrificed 4-5 months after the operation, the knees were dissected and observed. In all 8 knees transplanted menisci were completely healed around their periphery, however their appearance was rather changed. They were narrower, thinner, and of different colour and consistency. The transplanted menisci were removed and conserved in 10% (formalin) for the further investigation. It is concluded that the allogenic meniscal transplantation without the vascular bundle is possible and that the further investigation of this problem is justified.