title: Comparative Study of Collagen versus Synthetic-Based Meniscal Scaffolds in Treating Meniscal Deficiency in Young Active Population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 different meniscal scaffolds in treating patients with irreparable partial medial meniscal tear and patients complaining of pain in the medial compartment of the knee due to a previous partial medial meniscectomy. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that both the scaffolds are effective in improving clinical outcomes in these patient populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight patients underwent collagen-based medial meniscus implantation (CMI-Menaflex) and 25 with a second-generation scaffold (Actifit). All patients were assessed with Lysholm, Tegner scale, and MRI evaluation-preoperatively, at 6 months, at 12 moths, and followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Second look arthroscopy and concomitant biopsy were performed in 7 and 12 patients of CMI and Actifit groups, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CMI group at final follow-up showed improvement in Lysholm score from 58.4 ± 17.3 to 94.5 ± 6.0, while the Actifit group showed improvement from 67.0 ± 15.7 to 90.3 ± 13.1; the improvement was statistically significant in both the groups but intergroup difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1061). Tegner Activity Scale score improved in both the groups, but intergroup difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.5918). MRI evaluation showed in situ scaffold and no progression of degenerative arthritis in both the groups at final follow-up. Histological evaluation showed more fibrous tissue with blood vessels in the CMI group and the Actift group showed avascular cartilaginous features.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both the scaffolds are effective in improving patients' symptoms and joint function at short-term follow-up.
authors.affiliation: San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bulgheroni
authors.affiliation: Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.affiliation: Insubria University, Ospedale di Circolo Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campagnolo
authors.affiliation: Insubria University, Ospedale di Circolo Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bulgheroni
authors.affiliation: OASI Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Abhishek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mudhigere
authors.affiliation: OASI Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gobbi
keywords: knee; meniscal injury; meniscus; polarized light microscopy; scaffolds