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Vascular response of the meniscus to injury: Effects of immobilization
Author(s) -
Bray Robert C.,
Smith Jacqueline A.,
Eng Michael K.,
Leonard Catherine A.,
Sutherland Craig A.,
Salo Paul T.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/s0736-0266(00)00037-1
Subject(s) - vascularity , medicine , wound healing , perfusion , medial meniscus , tears , blood flow , meniscus , osteoarthritis , surgery , pathology , physics , alternative medicine , incidence (geometry) , optics
Failed meniscal healing may lead to degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. Healing is thought to be dependent upon an adequate blood supply, yet “normal” vascular changes during healing are not well understood. In this study we have quantified vasoactive and angiogenic responses to medial meniscal injury in a rabbit model under clinically relevant conditions, and related these to histological criteria of healing. Twenty‐six adult rabbits were given a standardized meniscal injury; 12 of these had the hind limb immobilized by pinning. Eight normal controls and 12 sham‐operated animals were also studied. After 4 weeks, animals underwent either vascular volume (vascular index) determination, or blood flow measurement using coloured microspheres. Histological analysis was also performed to assess meniscal healing. In injured animals, blood flow to the menisci was increased fivefold 4 weeks post‐operative this increase was prevented by immobilization. The vascular index of the menisci was also increased threefold by injury, but not significantly reduced by immobilization. Histological examination of injured menisci showed examples of healing and non‐healing tears in both mobile and immobile groups. Meniscal injuries are associated with characteristic changes in vascularity and perfusion, and these changes likely play a significant role in the healing process. Characterization of the vascular responses to meniscal injury may lead to techniques that can promote reliable healing of meniscal tears and thereby improve clinical outcomes. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.