Experimental meniscal lesions reconstructed with a carbon fiber-polyurethane-poly(L-lactide) graft

Abstract

Reconstructive procedures were investigated in meniscal lesions in 14 dogs. Large wedge-shaped lesions were repaired with a graft containing carbon fibers and an organic polymer, prepared from physical mixtures of poly(L-lactide) and a segmented polyurethane. Four and eight weeks postoperation, arthroscopy was performed and the implants were excised. In ten dogs, the reconstructed area appeared to be invaded almost completely by fibrous tissue and, occasionally, by repair-simulating hyaline cartilage. There were no signs of infection.