Biological augmentation of meniscus repair and restoration

Abstract

Meniscus tears in the knee lead to significant pain and disability. The ability of meniscus tears to heal after repair is limited, particularly within the avascular zone. While meniscectomy is a commonly performed and a relatively straightforward treatment option, it is less desirable compared to repair as meniscus deficiency is a predisposing factor for the development of osteoarthritis. Most efforts to augment meniscal repairs in human studies have centered on the use of mechanical stimulation, fibrin clot, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). When meniscal replacement is needed, allograft transplantation is currently the most viable treatment option. Stem cell and growth factor augmentation remain promising alternatives but require further research prior to use in humans.