Biomaterials in search of a meniscus substitute.
The menisci fulfill key biomechanical functions in the tibiofemoral (knee) joint. Unfortunately meniscal injuries are quite common and most often treated by (partial) meniscectomy. However, some patients experience enduring symptoms, and, more importantly, it leads to an increased risk for symptomatic osteoarthritis. Over the past decades, researchers have put effort in developing a meniscal substitute able to prevent osteoarthritis and treat enduring clinical symptoms. Grossly, two categories of substitutes are observed: First, a resorbable scaffold mimicking biomechanical function which slowly degrades while tissue regeneration and organization is promoted. Second, a non resorbable, permanent implant which mimics the biomechanical function of the native meniscus. Numerous biomaterials with different (material) properties have been used in order to provide such a substitute. Nevertheless, a clinically applicable cartilage protecting material is not yet emerged. In the current review we provide an overview, and discuss, these different materials and extract recommendations regarding material properties for future developmental research.
Orthopaedic Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedics, Radboud University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Jan.rongen@radboudumc.nl.
Jan J
JJ
Rongen
Orthopaedic Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedics, Radboud University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Kliniek Viasana, Mill, The Netherlands.
Tony G
TG
van Tienen
MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
Bas
B
van Bochove
MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Netherlands.
Dirk W
DW
Grijpma
Orthopaedic Research Lab, Department of Orthopaedics, Radboud University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Pieter
P
Buma
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers
Biomaterials; Cartilage; Implant; Meniscus; Scaffold; Tissue engineering