Abstract
Aim: CMI was designed to support regeneration of the meniscus and to improve symptoms in patients after meniscectomy. We use CMI for meniscal replacement in patients with multiple knee problems in combination with other reconstructive procedures. Methods: Eleven patients (4f, 7m), average age 36 years (24–56 y.), were included in the prospective evaluation with minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean 24.5 mo, range 13–38 mo). Ten patients had previous surgeries (9 meniscectomies, 4 ACL reconstructions). CMI transplantation was performed in combination with HTO (n=6), ACL reconstruction (n=4) and autologous osteochondral transplantation (OATS) (n=6). Additional to a clinical evaluation, 6 patients underwent a diagnostic arthroscopy and biopsy. Results: Pain scores reduced from 5.4±1.3 to 2.3±0.7 (VAS 1=no pain, 10=worst pain). The knee function was evaluated B (nearly normal) in all patients. Lysholm score increased from 70 to 94 in patients with CMI/HTO, respectively 58 to 91 in patients with CMI/ACL and 71 to 93 in patients with CMI/OATS. Arthroscopic views demonstrated good integration and intact CMI implants especially in the middle and anterior parts of the menisci. Histological findings showed interstitial spaces of the matrix filled with fibrous matrix and oval cells resembling fibrochondrocytes in some regions. Conclusions: The results of arthroscopy, histology and the good clinical outcome support our treatment philosophy addressing all knee pathologies at once. CMI can be included in combined knee procedures, since the integration and generation of a new meniscus are improved with re-established articular surface and knee alignment.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
