Biologic Augmentation of Isolated Meniscal Repair

This article provides a comprehensive review of recent findings and conclusions regarding biologic augmentation techniques.Recent FindingsStudies on PRP reveal mixed outcomes, with some suggesting benefits in reducing failure rates of isolated meniscal repair, while others question its efficacy. Fibrin clots and PRF (Platelet-rich fibrin), although promising, show inconsistent results and lack sufficient evidence for definitive conclusions. MSCs demonstrate potential in preclinical studies, but clinical trials have been limited and inconclusive. Bone marrow stimulation appears effective in certain contexts, but its broader applicability remains uncertain. Meniscal scaffolds, including CMI (Collagen Meniscal Implants) and Actifit (polyurethane scaffolds), show encouraging short- and mid-term outcomes but have not consistently surpassed traditional methods in the long term. Meniscal wrapping is infrequently studied but demonstrates positive short-term results with certain applications.SummaryThe review reveals a diverse range of outcomes for biologic augmentation in meniscal repair. While certain techniques show promise, particularly in specific scenarios, the overall efficacy of these methods has yet to reach a consensus. The review underscores the necessity for standardized, high-quality research to establish the definitive effectiveness of these biologic augmentation methods.
Source: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research