Medial meniscus replacement by a fat pad autograft. An experimental study in sheep.
The medial meniscus in 15 sheep was replaced by a pediculated infrapatellar fat pad graft and resulted in the development of a macroscopically meniscus-like structure within 6 months. Five additional sheep with a meniscectomy were controls. Degenerative changes in the fat pad autograft were visible after one year. Osteoarthritis of the weightbearing medial compartment was detected after 6 months. A temporary protective effect on the cartilage could be attributed to the autograft, but the long term results indicated that this was not permanent. Fat is not suitable as a meniscal substitute.
Kohn
D
D
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Rudert
M
M
Wirth
C J
CJ
Plitz
W
W
Reiss
G
G
Maschek
H
H
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012756:Sheep; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous