Chondroprotective effects of a polycarbonate-urethane meniscal implant: histopathological results in a sheep model.
Summary of "Chondroprotective effects of a polycarbonate-urethane meniscal implant: histopathological results in a sheep model."
PURPOSE:
Injury or loss of the meniscus generally leads to degenerative osteoarthritic changes in the knee joint. However, few surgical options exist for meniscal replacement. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of a non-degradable, anatomically shaped artificial meniscal implant, composed of Kevlar((R))-reinforced polycarbonate-urethane (PCU), to prevent progressive cartilage degeneration following complete meniscectomy.
METHODS:
The artificial meniscus was implanted in the knees of mature female sheep following total medial meniscectomy, and the animals were killed at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. Macroscopic analysis and semi-quantitative histological analysis were performed on the cartilage of the operated knee and unoperated contralateral control joint.
RESULTS:
The PCU implants remained well secured throughout the experimental period and showed no signs of wear or changes in structural or material properties. Histological analysis showed relatively mild cartilage degeneration that was dominated by loss of proteoglycan content and cartilage structure. However, the total osteoarthritis score did not significantly differ between the control and operated knees, and there were no differences in the severity of degenerative changes between 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
CONCLUSION:
Current findings provide preliminary evidence for the ability of an artificial PCU meniscal implant to delay or prevent osteoarthritic changes in knee joint following complete medial meniscectomy.
Affiliation
Research and Development Center, Active Implants Corporation, P.O. Box 8395, 42505, Netanya, Israel.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA
ISSN: 1433-7347
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20635076
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1210-5
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Urethane
Antineoplastic agent that is also used as a veterinary anesthetic. It has also been used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. Urethane is suspected to be a carcinogen.
Dental Implantation, Endosseous
Insertion of an implant into the bone of the mandible or maxilla. The implant has an exposed head which protrudes through the mucosa and is a prosthodontic abutment.
Immediate Dental Implant Loading
Endosseous dental implantation where implants are fitted with an abutment or where an implant with a transmucosal coronal portion is used immediately (within 1 week) after the initial extraction. Conventionally, the implantation is performed in two stages with more than two months in between the stages.
Coated Materials, Biocompatible
Biocompatible materials usually used in dental and bone implants that enhance biologic fixation, thereby increasing the bond strength between the coated material and bone, and minimize possible biological effects that may result from the implant itself.
Methylenebis(chloroaniline)
Aromatic diamine used in the plastics industry as curing agent for epoxy resins and urethane rubbers. It causes bladder, liver, lung, and other neoplasms.
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