An experimental study on reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament using the medial meniscus

Abstract

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was experimentally reconstructed using the medial meniscus and preserving its posterior attachment in 70 rabbits. Time-course changes in the transferred meniscus were studied macroscopically, histologically and biomechanically to evaluate the validity of the meniscus as a substitute in ligament reconstruction. Observation of the transferred menisci for 144 weeks revealed that the fibrocartilage cells and the matrix of the transferred menisci were not completely replaced, especially in the central part. Blood circulation of the transferred meniscus was relatively abundant at the invasion site of the synovial tissue, particularly its attachments where the transferred meniscus was attached to the femur and tibia, whereas the central part was deficient in blood circulation. The mechanical strength of the transferred meniscus was about 26% of that of the PCL on the control side, and was not related to the period of time after the operation. Therefore, reconstruction of the PCL using the medial meniscus alone was considered questionable from the viewpoints of strength, slow absorption and replacement in clinical applications. This procedure, however, is still useful for augmentation of acute PCL tears.