Introduction Traumatic rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be a common source of knee instability and dysfunction in athletes. Reconstruction of a torn ACL, to restore function and limit injury to the menisci, has become a common orthopedic…
Introduction In search of the ideal meniscal substitute, natural and synthetic materials for meniscal replacement have been reported with variable outcomes. Although meniscus allograft transplantation is the only clinically available option for total meniscus replacement, disadvantages to its use include…
History of the Meniscus One of the earliest descriptions of the menisci was recorded by Bland-Sutton in 1897. At that time, the menisci were thought to be vestigial tissue and were depicted as “the functionless remnants of intra-articular leg muscles.”…
Tendon and Ligament Structure Tendons and ligaments are both dense, regularly arranged connective tissues. The surface of the tendon is enveloped in a white, glistening, synovial-like membrane, called the epitenon , which is continuous on its inner surface with the…
OVERVIEW Chapter synopsis High failure rates after rotator cuff repair have encouraged the search for biologics that may stimulate improved healing. This chapter will consider a number of different biologic approaches to augmenting rotator cuff repairs. Key cytokines and growth…