Abstract
Aims: to present histologic changes of articular cartilage and meniscal allgraft after medial meniscectomy and protective value and survival of allograft in the experimental knee model. Material and methods: Two groups (experimental and control group) of 15 new Zaeland white rabbits were operated and evaluated in three time subgroups: after 2 weeks (þrst group), after 8 weeks (second group) and after 36 weeks (thirdt group). In the experimental group after medial meniscetomy the deep frozen meniscal allograft was transplented (meniscal allografts were obtained from another group of animals). After sacriþcation the knee specimens were stained by following histohemical methods: hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Periodic Acid Shift (PAS), Van Gieson, Paff Halmi, Masson trichrom and Von Kossa and and analysed by light microscope. Results: Signiþcan difference existed beetwen 2 groups. Best results were obtained in the experimental group nd worst in control group Ð6 months after meniscectomy. During time the deep frozen meniscal allografts show signiþcant collagen remodeling, cellular and vascular ingrowth and they are able to protect the underlying cartilage. Conclusion: The deep frozen meniscal allograft appeared to function normally after transpalnation and the procedure is beneþcial Ð meniscal reconstruction or transplantation provides protection of the knee cartilage.
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.
