Objective To examine the research status and predict trends in ME research findings from 1997-2023 on a global scale. Methods Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for original articles on ME published between 1997 and 2023, and then analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology to map scientific knowledge. Results A total of 748 articles were eventually included. The number of ME publications increased year by year, with the USA being the most productive country. Osteoarthritis, MRI, medial meniscus posterior root repair, biomechanical evaluation, lateral meniscus allograft transplantation, radiographic joint space narrowing are the high frequency keywords in co-occurrence cluster analysis and cocited reference cluster analysis. Medial meniscus posterior root tear and lateral meniscus allograft transplantation are current and evolving research hotspots in citation burst detection analysis. Conclusions The understanding of ME has been improved significantly during the past decades. Current research focuses on optimizing surgical repair methods and obtaining long-term follow-up outcomes for medial meniscal posterior root repair and developing methods to reduce ME after lateral meniscal allograft, as well as they are the highlights of future research on ME.
Objective?To observe the changes of force bearing area and pressures of the rabbit tibiofemoral contact area and the biomechanical reconstruction level of joint after meniscal allograft.?Methods?A total of 28 Japanese rabbits were involved, weighing 3.0-3.5 kg, male or female. Of 28 rabbits, 7 were selected as meniscus donors, the remaining 21 rabbits were randomized into group A (n=7), group B (n=7), and group C (n=7). Group A underwent single knee opening and suturing, group B underwent medial meniscus excision and suturing, and group C underwent medial meniscus allograft after medial meniscus excision and suturing. The rabbits were sacrified at 12 weeks after operation for biomechanical observation through biomechanical machine and color imaging system. The meniscus tissue specimens were harvested from groups A and C to perform histological and immunohistochemical staining.?Results?After operation, all rabbits in 3 groups survived to the end of experiment. There were significant differences in the force bearing area and pressures at 0-90° flexion between group B and groups A, C (P lt; 0.05) at 12 weeks, showing no significant difference between group A and group C (P gt; 0.05); and there were significant differences in the force bearing area and pressures at 120° flexion among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The histological observation showed that the number of cartilage cells and collagen fibers returned to normal in group C, and the immunohistochemical staining showed that transplanted meniscus of group C contained large amounts of collagen fibers consisting of collagen type I and collagen type II. After 12 weeks of operation, the collagen type I contents were 0.612 5 ± 0.059 8 in group A and 0.587 2 ± 0.063 9 in group C, showing no significant difference (t=0.765, P=0.465); the collagen type II contents were 0.772 4 ± 0.081 5 and 0.814 3 ± 0.051 7, respectively, showing no significant difference (t= —0.136, P=0.894).?Conclusion?The allograft of rabbit meniscus can significantly increase the force bearing area of the tibiofemoral contact area and reduce the average pressure. Therefore, biomechanically speaking, the meniscus allograft can protect the articular cartilage and reconstruct the biomechanical balance.
Objective To investigate the clinical application of periosteal autograft in repair of cartilage defect caused by osteoarthritis of knee. Methods From 1996 to 1999, 36 knees of cartilage defect of knee joint in 28 cases were treated. In the operation, the cracked degenerative cartilage was removed before free periosteum from tibia was transplanted to repair the defect, and the meniscuses in 8 knees of the 36 knees were reconstructed. After operation, early continuous passive movement was adopted for 4 weeks, and 8 knees with reconstruction ofthe meniscus were immobilized by plaster splint for 7 days after operation and before passive movement. All of the cases were followed up for 1 to 4 years before clinical evaluation in symptoms, signs and radiological findings. Results The general satisfactory rate was 86.1%, in which the function was excellent in 22 knees and good in 9 knees. Conclusion The periosteal autograft is a good choice for repairing cartilage defect due to osteoarthritis, with a satisfactory outcomein the short term.
Objective To investigate the effects of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1), and the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on proliferation and cell phenotype of the human fetal meniscal cells, and to find out the best combination and concentration of the growth factors for the meniscus tissue engineering. Methods The fetus came from the healthy woman accidental abortion and the procedure had got her approval.The human fetal meniscal fibrochondrocytes were cultured in vitro. The cell phenotype was identifiedby the collagen type Ⅱ immunohistochemistry and Aggrecan immunofluorescence. Inthe growth factor groups, the 3rd passage meniscal cells synchronized by the serum starvation method and were mixed with IGF-1 (1, 10, 50, 100 μg/L), TGF-β1 (0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 50.0 μg/L), and bFGF (5, 10, 50, 100, 200 μg/L), respectively, and in the combination groups, the combinations of bFGF and TGF-β1, bFGF and IGF-1, TGF-β1 and IGF-1 were established at their optimal effect concentrations. The control group was also established for comparison. The dose-response relationship was studied at 48 h and 72 h bythe MTT colorimetric method. Results The 3rd passage meniscalcells could express collagen type Ⅱ and Aggrecan before and after the addition of the three growth factors. The proliferating effects of the growth factors (IGF-1 50 μg/L，TGF-β1 5 μg/L，bFGF 50 μg/L) on the 3rd passage cells at 48 h and 72 h were significantly better in the growth factor groups than in the control group (Plt;0.05)，and the combination groups of bFGF 50 μg/L and IGF-1 50 μg/L, IGF-1 50 μg/L and TGF-β1 5 μg/L showed a significantly higher proliferatingeffect than that in the single growth factor group (Plt;0.05). bFGF 50 μg/L and TGF-β1 5 μg/L had no synergetic effect (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion IGF-1, TGF-β1 and bFGF can promote the proliferation of the human fetal meniscal cells, respectively, and the combinations of bFGF and IGF-1, IGF-1 and TGF-β1 at their optimal concentrations can have better proliferating effects than the single growth factor. They can be used for the in vitro amplification of the meniscal seed cells.
ObjectiveTo manufacture a polycaprolactone (PCL)/type Ⅰ collagen (COL Ⅰ) tissue engineered meniscus scaffold (hereinafter referred to as PCL/COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold) by three-dimensional (3D) printing with low temperature deposition technique and to study its physicochemical properties.MethodsFirst, the 15% PCL/4% COLⅠ composite solution and 15% PCL simple solution were prepared. Then, 15% PCL/4% COL Ⅰmeniscus scaffold and 15% PCL meniscal scaffold were prepared by using 3D printing with low temperature deposition techniques. The morphology and microstructure of the scaffolds were observed by gross observation and scanning electron microscope. The compression modulus and tensile modulus of the scaffolds were measured by biomechanical test. The components of the scaffolds were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The contact angle of the scaffold surface was measured. The meniscus cells of rabbits were cultured with the two scaffold extracts and scaffolds, respectively. After cultured, the cell proliferations were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), and the normal cultured cells were used as controls. Cell adhesion and growth of scaffold-cell complex were observed by scanning electron microscope.ResultsAccording to the gross and scanning electron microscope observations, two scaffolds had orientated 3D microstructures and pores, but the surface of the PCL/COLⅠ meniscus scaffold was rougher than the PCL meniscus scaffold. Biomechanical analysis showed that the tensile modulus and compression modulus of the PCL/COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold were not significantly different from those of the PCL meniscus scaffold (P>0.05). FTIR analysis results showed that COL Ⅰ and PCL were successful mixed in PCL/ COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffolds. The contact angle of PCL/COLⅠ meniscus scaffold [(83.19±7.49)°] was significantly lower than that of PCL meniscus scaffold [(111.13±5.70)°] (t=6.638, P=0.000). The results of the CCK-8 assay indicated that with time, the number of cells cultured in two scaffold extracts showed an increasing trend, and there was no significant difference when compared with the control group (P>0.05). Scanning electron microscope observation showed that the cells attached on the PCL/ COL Ⅰ meniscus scaffold more than that on the PCL scaffold.ConclusionPCL/COLⅠmeniscus scaffolds are prepared by 3D printing with low temperature deposition technique, which has excellent physicochemical properties without cytotoxicity. PCL/COLⅠmeniscus scaffold is expected to be used as the material for meniscus tissue engineering.
Objective To review the details of the current effortsto reconstruct or replace the meniscus.Methods Three kinds of proceduresof reconstructing or replacing the meniscus were analyzed and evaluated by an extensive review of the latest literatures concerned. Results Three kinds of techniques were established to reconstruct the meniscus clinically, i.e., the allograft of the meniscus, meniscal reconstruction with the autotendon, and the meniscus scaffold. There were still a few defects in the meniscal replacement, and so the curative techniques would still be investigated. Conclusion Many efforts have been made to reconstruct the meniscus after its injury or its resection so as to prevent degeneration of the knee joint. The meniscal replacement has been employed for many years, but it has not worked so well. The establishment of an ideal replacement of the meniscus requires further studies. Therefore, reconstruction of the meniscus function is still a challenging problem to the surgeons concerned.
OBJECTIVE To investigate possibility of cartilage cultured in centrifuge tube as graft materials. METHODS: Articular chondrocytes isolated from a 3-week-old rabbit formed cartilage after cultivation for 2 weeks. Articular cartilage of humeral head, growth plate of proximal tibia and meniscus were collected from a 6-week-old rabbit. The ultrastructure of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix in the three kinds of cartilages and cultured cartilage were observed by transmission electronic microscopy. RESULTS: Cartilage cultured in centrifuge tube possessed unique ultrastructure and was similar to articular cartilage and growth plate, but it was markedly different from meniscus. The four kinds of cartilages were characteristic of respectively different chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. Cultured cartilage showed typical apoptosis of chondrocytes and "dark chondrocytes" appeared in growth plate. Condrocyte apoptosis was not seen in articular cartilage and meniscus. CONCLUSION: Cartilage cultured in centrifuge tube has unique ultrastructure and may be used as graft materials for articular cartilage and growth plate.
【Abstract】 Objective To compare the short-term effects of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in treating medial versuslateral meniscus injuries. Methods From January 2003 to January 2006, 207 patients with meniscus injury(without intraarticularligament injury) underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The medial meniscus injury group included 115 cases, 50males and 65 females; aged 14 to 78 years(mean 46.9 years); 66 left knees and 49 right knees. Twenty-six cases had injury histories,the delayed time from injury to surgery ranged from 6 d to 6 months (mean 2.1 months). The lateral meniscus injury group included92 cases, 18 males and 74 females; aged 16 to 62 years (mean 41.1 years); 57 left knees and 35 right knees. Twenty-four caseshad injury histories, the delayed time from injury to surgery ranged from 9 d to 6 months (mean 1.9 months). Lysholm score systemwas applied and the scors of pre- and post-operation and were compared between two groups. Results The period of followupranged from 12 to 45 months (mean 31.5 months). In medial meniscus injury group and lateral meniscus injury roup, theLysholm score increased from 61.3±16.9 and 57.4±17.6 preoperation to 95.0±7.9 and 93.3±7.4 postoperation respectively. Therewas statistically significant difference between preoperation and postoperation (P lt; 0.01), and there was no statistically significantdifference between two groups（P gt; 0.05）. The excellent and good rates for function of knee joint were 97.39% (excellent in 107cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 3 cases) in medial meniscus injury group and 100%(excellent in 80 cases and good in 12 cases)in lateral meniscus injury group. Conclusion Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for meniscusinjury, there is no diference in short-term effects in treating medial versus lateral meniscus injuries.
ObjectiveTo summarize the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with meniscus allograft transplantation.MethodsA clinical data of 21 patients treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and meniscus allograft transplantation and followed up more than 5 years between February 2007 and December 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 9 females, aged from 18 to 45 years, with an average age of 23.5 years. The cause of injury was sport sprain in 15 cases, falling in 4 cases, and traffic accident in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 36 months, with an average of 12 months. Among them, 15 patients underwent previous meniscectomy, with an average interval of 1.6 years (range, 3 months to 6.5 years). All patients were primary ACL reconstruction. Preoperative anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test were positive. Lysholm score was 43.6±10.2. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 60.50±14.06. Of the 21 patients, 10 were gradeⅠ-Ⅱcartilage injuries and 11 were grade Ⅲ cartilage injuries according to MRI. ResultsAll patients were followed up 5.1-7.8 years, with an average of 5.5 years. There were 2 cases of numbness of lower extremity, 3 cases of slight exudation of incision, 2 cases of articular movement bounce, 5 cases of mild joint swelling and pain after exercise. At last follow-up, Lachman tests were negative in 18 cases and positive in 3 cases; anterior drawer tests were negative in 19 cases and positive in 2 cases; pivot shift tests were negative in all cases. Lysholm score was 84.5±16.5 and IKDC score was 85.25±4.60, which were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.01). The flexion and extension of the affected knee joint were (128±13) and (3±7)°, respectively, which were smaller than those of the healthy knee joint [(133±15), (0±5)°] (P<0.01). The results of KT-1000 test showed that when knee flexion was 30 and 90°, tibial anterior displacement of affected side [(2.35±1.20), (1.60±1.15) mm] were not significantly different from those of healthy side [(1.20±1.10), (1.10±1.03) mm] (P>0.01). MRI showed that the ACL graft was in normal position and meniscus survived well. Cartilage injuries were gradeⅠ-Ⅱ in 18 cases and grade Ⅲ in 3 cases. ConclusionFor patients with severe meniscus injury and ACL rupture, ACL reconstruction combined with meniscus allograft transplantation can restore the stability of the joint, recover the meniscus function which is conducive to the protection of articular cartilage and obtain satisfactory mid-term effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the injury mechanism, clinical characteristics, and treatments of Segond fracture and complications. Methods Fifteen patients suffering from Segond fracture were treated between January 2007 and December 2011. There were 10 males and 5 females, aged 16-50 years (mean, 31.8 years). Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, by sports in 6 cases, and by bruise in 1 case. Before operation, the knee range of motion (ROM) was (36.60 ± 8.94)°; the Lysholm score was 32.27 ± 3.73; and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 42.34 ± 4.97. The duration from injury to operation was 1-3 weeks with an average of 1.2 weeks. In 12 patients having associated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL was performed with allogeneic anterior tibial tendon; in 2 patients having associated avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, arthroscopic fracture reduction and fixation with Orthocord wire were performed. In 8 patients having associated meniscus injury, meniscus suture and meniscectomy were performed in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. In 7 patients having associated collateral ligament injury, conservative treatment was given in 5 patients, and medial collateral ligament was repair in 2 patients. Results All incisions healed primarily without complications of infection and nerve or blood vessel injury. All the patient were followed up 12-16 months (mean, 14.3 months). At 12 months after operation, the results of anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and lateral stress test were all negative. The knee ROM was (129.27 ± 5.89)°, the IKDC score and Lysholm score were significantly increased to 89.45 ± 3.05 and 87.87 ± 4.12 at 12 months after operation; all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative values (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Segond fracture is often combined with ACL, collateral ligament, and meniscus injuries, and the evidence of Segond fracture can bly suggests the knee injury. Personalized treatment should be chosen according to complications.