Segmental and regional quantification of 3D cellular density of human meniscus from osteoarthritic knee

Abstract

The knee menisci have important roles in the knee joint. Complete healing of the meniscus remains a challenge in the clinics. Cellularity is one of the most important biological parameters that must be taken into account in regenerative strategies. However, knowledge on the 3D cellularity of the human meniscus is lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to quantify the 3D cellular density of human meniscus from the osteoarthritic knee in a segmental and regional manner with respect to laterality. Human lateral menisci were histologically processed and stained with Giemsa for histomorphometric analysis. The cells were counted in an in-depth fashion. 3D cellular density in the vascular region (27 199 cells/mm ) was significantly higher than in the avascular region (12 820 cells/mm ). The cells were observed to possess two distinct morphologies, roundish or flattened. The 3D density of cells with fibrochondrocyte morphology (14 705 cells/mm ) was significantly greater than the 3D density of the cells with fibroblast-like cell morphology (5539 cells/mm ). The best-fit equation for prediction of the 3D density of cells with fibrochondrocyte morphology was found to be: Density of cells with fibrochondrocyte morphology = 1.22 × density of cells withfibroblast-like cell morphology + 7750. The present study revealed the segmental and regional 3D cellular density of human lateral meniscus from osteoarthritic knee with respect to laterality. This crucial but so far missing information will empower cellular strategies aiming at meniscus tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Meniscal allograft transplants and new scaffolding techniques

“…5,7 They have a specific extracellular matrix, 8,9 multiple cell types 10,11 and particular cell distribution. 5,12 They have unique biomechanical features 13 and are known to have segmental and regional variations concerning ultrastructure, vascularity, biology, and function. 7,12,13 There are differences between the medial and the lateral menisci in knee kinematics.…”

“…5,12 They have unique biomechanical features 13 and are known to have segmental and regional variations concerning ultrastructure, vascularity, biology, and function. 7,12,13 There are differences between the medial and the lateral menisci in knee kinematics. The lateral meniscus is accountable for most of the load transfer within the lateral compartment (around 70%), 14 while the transmission of loading is more equally dispersed through the cartilage surfaces and the medial meniscus (50%) in the medial compartment.…”

“…It has been recently shown by 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) analysis of the menisci segments that cellular density is relatively higher on the anterior segment when compared to other parts, and that the posterior segments tend to be stiffer. 12,13 It was hypothesized that the higher damping properties of the anterior segments could be related to the higher cellular density, meaning that biology and biomechanical features are combined. 12,13…”

“…12,13 It was hypothesized that the higher damping properties of the anterior segments could be related to the higher cellular density, meaning that biology and biomechanical features are combined. 12,13…”

“…One should bear in mind the basic science knowledge related to each meniscus since it surely has implications for tissue loss, repair, healing and outcomes of replacement. 12,17 Moreover, vascularization of the menisci is critical for treatment decisions. The peripheral vessels infiltrate around 10% to 25% of the width of the lateral meniscus and 10% to 30% of the width of the medial meniscus in adults (Fig.…”