Porous polymers for repair and replacement of the knee joint meniscus and articular cartilage

The studies presented here were initiated to answer a variety of questions concerning firstly the repair and replacement of the knee joint meniscus and, secondly, the repair of full-thickness defects of articular cartilage. AIMS OF THE STUDIES I To assess the effect of implantation of a porous polymer implant on the healing of an experimental longitudinal lesion in the avascular part of the meniscus. (Chapter 2) II To determine the histological, biochemical, and immunohistological nature of the meniscal repair tissue with and without implantation of a porous polymer. (Chapters 2 and 3) III To visualize the vascular reaction and increase in vascularity of the meniscus after implantation of a porous polymer and during the process of fibrocartilage formation.(Chapter 4) IV To determine optimal pore sizes and implant structure for ingrowth and differentiation of meniscal fibrocartilage into a porous implant. (Chapter 5) V To develop a prosthesis suitable for replacement of a complete meniscus. (Chapter 6) VI To develop a suitable surgical technique to repair meniscal lesions by implantation of porous polymers. (Chapter 7) VII To assess the influence of the implant's biomechanical properties on fibrocartilage formation. (Chapter 7) VIII To develop an in vivo test system to assess the suitability of biomaterials used for cartilage repair. (Chapter 8