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Basic Science

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The Meniscus

Abstract

Basic science of meniscal allograft transplantation is mainly based on animal and biomechanical experiments. Although healing of meniscal allografts has been demonstrated in several animal experiment studies, concerns regarding graft hypocellularity, material properties, and their long-term functional survival still remain. Experimental studies have shown that the cartilage status of the knee cannot be restored to normal by meniscal allograft transplantation. However, several authors have demonstrated a chondroprotective effect compared to meniscectomized knees. Biomechanical investigations have confirmed that precise size matching and positioning as well as firm fixation at the anterior and posterior horn are mandatory for the meniscal transplant to have an adequate loadbearing function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Department, Hannover Medical School, Anna-von-Borries-Strasse 1-7, 30625, Hannover, Germany

    G. von Lewinski & C. J. Wirth

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  1. G. von Lewinski
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  2. C. J. Wirth
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Correspondence to G. von Lewinski .

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  1. Service Chirurgie Orthopedique et, Traumatologique, Hopital Andre Mignot, rue de Versailles, Le Chesnay CX, 78157, France

    Philippe Beaufils

  2. Akademisch Ziekenhuis, Dept.Physical Medicine and, Universiteit Gent, De Pintelaan 185, Gent, 9000, Belgium

    René Verdonk

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von Lewinski, G., Wirth, C.J. (2010). Basic Science. In: Beaufils, P., Verdonk, R. (eds) The Meniscus. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02450-4_39

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02450-4_39

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