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Meniscal scaffolds enable physiologic replacement of lost tissue
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WAILEA, Hawaii — Although not currently FDA approved for use in the United States, meniscal scaffolds may offer a solution for the treatment of pain after meniscectomy, according to a presenter at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2014.
“Studies have shown an improvement in pain and function. Early results are promising in the prevention of osteoarthritic degeneration,” Peter R. Kurzweil, MD, said, here.
Peter R. Kurzweil
Meniscal scaffolds do not provide mature tissue immediately, he said. They support cellular and vascular ingrowth, as well as enable physiologic replacement of lost tissue. Kurzweil said indications for the use of meniscal scaffolds include patients with symptomatic knees after meniscectomy, stable rims with intact anterior and posterior horns, meniscal defects greater in size than 25 mm; an International Cartilage Research Society score less than 3 points; and patients younger than 50 years old.
Kurzweil said meniscal scaffolds have been used successfully by orthopedic surgeons in Europe since 2003. The FDA has recently approved a phased pivotal study in 10 to 12 U.S. centers to compare meniscal scaffold and partial meniscectomy for patients with post-meniscectomy pain. Researchers will study treatment on the medial side of the knee only, and the study is scheduled to begin in the next 6 months, he said. – by Kristine Houck, MA, ELS
Reference:
Kurzweil PR. Meniscal repair: 2014 update. Presented at: Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2014; Jan. 19-23, 2014; Wailea, Hawaii.
Disclosure: Kurzweil is a consultant for Pierce Surgical, Cayenne Medical, Orteq, Parcus Medical, Zimmer and Ceterix Orthopaedics.