MRI and histology of collagen template implantation and regeneration in rabbit knee meniscus

• Published in: European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology 2011-05, Vol.21 (4), p.231-234
• Main Authors: Chen, Chien-Tsu, Lin, Min-Fong, Chan, Wing P., Lai, Wen-Fu T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collagen; Histology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Rabbits; Surgical Orthopedics; Traumatic Surgery
• ISSN: 1633-8065; 1432-1068
• DOI: 10.1007/s00590-010-0705-6

Purpose To evaluate, using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histology, the regeneration of injured knee menisci following reconstituted collagen template implantation in rabbits. Materials and methods Twenty adult rabbits were divided into five groups: (A) partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus (1/3 of the anterior horn) with collagen template implantation in the left knee ( n  = 4); (B) partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus (1/3 of the anterior horn) with collagen template implantation in the right knee ( n  = 4); (C) partial meniscectomy (1/3 of the anterior horn) of the medial meniscus of the left knee ( n  = 4); (D) sham operation ( n  = 4); (E) no operation ( n  = 4). All rabbits were killed after follow-up MR imaging at 8 weeks for histologic analysis. Results In groups A and B, the signal intensity decreased, and the last MR imaging showed homogeneous low signal intensity in 6 of 7 injured menisci, suggestive of regeneration. One rabbit in group B died. The seventh rabbit showed higher signal intensity in the injured meniscus than in the control meniscus, indicating failure of regeneration. Group C animals showed irregular margins and high signal intensity in the injured meniscus without regeneration. Conclusion Implantation of reconstituted collagen template can facilitate the regeneration of injured knee menisci in rabbits. The gradually decreased MR signal of the meniscus indicates the maturation of regeneration.