Basic science on the meniscus

The knowledge of the basic aspects of the meniscal physiology is essential to understand its pathology and treatment options. The study of the cellular and chemical composition of the meniscus allows orthopaedic surgeons to know which tears are more likely to heal and what factors may influence them. Research on tissue engineering has permitted the use of autologous or allogenic tissues and more recently synthetic scaffolds. In the present chapter, the embryology and the composition of the meniscus are explained. Furthermore, the healing process and the meniscal replacement issues (rationale and immunological aspects) are also described