Current Strategies and Advances Materials for the Treatment of Injured Meniscus

The lack of meniscal tissue increases the risk of early cartilage degeneration. Classic treatment includes suturing and partial menscectomies, total meniscectomies being abandoned. Modern treatments are based on the implantation of special scaffolds that replace some of the lost meniscal tissue. This paper reviews the basic principles of modern treatment of the menisci and it includes a retrospective study, in which a total of 10 patients (7 men and 3 women, mean age: 28.28 (21-38)) were enrolled. All patients had previous surgery and were subjected to arthroscopic treatment with a biodegradable scaffold (Actifit®). They received KOOS (Knee Injury and Ostheoarthritis Outcome Score), Lysholm and Tegner score. The Tegner score was not very useful in determining the success or failure of the surgery. The Lysholm and KOOS score results improved at the 1-year follow-up. The results of the scores that the patients filled out, showed an improvement in their preoperatively knee related problems. The Actifit® scaffold is safe and effective in treating meniscal defects.