RESUMEN
Transplantation of 25 fresh-frozen medial menisci was studied in 15 adult dogs. Before implantation, the allografts were deep-frozen and stored at -70 degrees C for 6 weeks to 18 months. The animals were killed 2 to 8 months postoperatively, and their knees and transplants were examined macroscopically and histologically. Complete healing of the allografts was found in 19 knees, incomplete in 3, and healing by massive fibrovascular tissue in 3 knees. Some shrinkage of the transplants taken 2 to 4 months after the surgery was observed; however, the 6- and 8-month specimens appeared grossly normal. Histologically, all transplants displayed a characteristic decrease in the number of cells, but this was significantly less pronounced in the 6- and 8-month specimens. Some degenerative alterations were found in all transplanted knees, but was obviously less pronounced in areas covered by the allografts and in the 6- and 8-month specimens. It is concluded that the transplantation of the fresh-frozen menisci could be successful; although the transplants are subjected to a remodeling process, they appear to function normally and protect the articular cartilage. The technique of conservation by freezing at -70 degrees C offers the advantage of an effective meniscal banking.
Asunto(s)
Criopreservación , Meniscos Tibiales/trasplante , Animales , Perros , Femenino , Miembro Posterior , Masculino , Meniscos Tibiales/citología , Meniscos Tibiales/fisiología , Trasplante HomólogoRESUMEN
We studied transplantation of a fresh meniscus in 25 knees in 15 adult dogs. On 2 tables and with 2 surgical teams the medial menisci were explanted, exchanged and implanted into the opposite dog's knee. The animals were killed 4-12 months postoperatively, and the transplants were studied histologically. Complete healing in the host's capsular tissues was found in 18 knees, incomplete healing in 3, and healing by massive fibrovascular scar tissue in 4 knees. In the 4- and 5-month specimens the transplants were found to be narrower, thinner, and of changed color and consistency, while in the 8- and 12-month specimens most of the allografts appeared grossly normal. Histologically, the allografts had normal general microarchitecture, but a marked decrease in the number of cells. In the 8- and 12-month specimens the cells had increased but the number of cells in general was still less than in the controls. Although some degenerative changes of the medial tibial articular cartilage were noted in most knees, there were less changes beneath the allografted meniscus.