title: Animal models for meniscus repair and regeneration.
abstract: The meniscus plays an important role in knee function and mechanics. Meniscal lesions, however, are common phenomena and this tissue is not able to achieve spontaneous successful repair, particularly in the inner avascular zone. Several animal models have been studied and proposed for testing different reparative approaches, as well as for studying regenerative methods aiming to restore the original shape and function of this structure. This review summarizes the gross anatomy, function, ultrastructure and biochemical composition of the knee meniscus in several animal models in comparison with the human meniscus. The relevance of the models is discussed from the point of view of basic research as well as of clinical translation for meniscal repair, substitution and regeneration. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each model for various research directions are critically discussed.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Deponti
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Giancamillo
authors.forename: Celeste
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scotti
authors.forename: Giuseppe M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Peretti
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000473:pathology; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods; D012756:Sheep; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials
keywords: animal model; biomaterials; meniscus; regenerative medicine; scaffold; tissue engineering