Design Optimization of a Polycarbonate-Urethane Meniscal Implant in the Sheep Knee: In-Vitro Study

Meniscus replacement still represents an unsolved problem in orthopedics. Allograft meniscus implantation has been suggested as a means to restore contact pressures following meniscectomy. However, issues such as graft availability, disease transmission, and size matching still limit the use of allograft menisci. Furthermore, the complexities of meniscal repairs may contribute to uneven distribution of load, instability and initiation of degenerative damage. A synthetic meniscal substitute could have significant advantages for meniscal replacement, as it could be available at the time of surgery in a substantial number of sizes and shapes to accommodate most patients. There is, however, a need to establish an optimal configuration of such an implant that would result in pressure distribution ability closest to that of the natural meniscus.