[MALDI mass spectrometry of the meniscus. Objectification of morphological findings]

The classification of meniscal lesions requires correlation with clinical data. For the standardization of histopathology reports a discrimination between normal, low-grade lesions and high-grade lesions is feasible. This classification can be further specified using other methods.

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of meniscal tissue from 68 patients were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging.

The classification of meniscal lesions and differentiation between low-grade and high-grade and acute versus non-acute degeneration is possible by determination of the differential expression of mass-to-charge ratios by statistical comparisons using the P-value from combined Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis (PWKW) tests and a predefined average two-fold difference in intensity.

The concept of a "meniscus report" is introduced for documentation of meniscus tissue specimens integrating histological, histochemical and proteomic data, thereby specifying the degree of degeneration and the assessment of acute or non-acute lesions. Mass spectrometry contributes to an objective histopathology report. An advisory opinion should always be based on close correlation of clinical and morphological evaluations.