The Potential of Using an Autogenous Tendon Graft by Injecting Bone Marrow Aspirate in a Rabbit Meniscectomy Model

Abstract

Bone marrow aspirate (BMA) is an excellent source of cells and growth factors and has been used successfully for bone, cartilage, and soft-tissue healing. This study aimed to investigate the histological and biomechanical properties of autogenous tendon graft by injecting BMA and its protective effect against degenerative changes in a rabbit model of meniscal defects. Adult white rabbits were divided into untreated, tendon, and tendon + BMA groups, and meniscal defects were created in the knees. The tendon graft and articular cartilage status were evaluated by macroscopic and histological analysis at 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively among the three groups. The tendon graft in the tendon and tendon + BMA groups were used for biomechanical evaluation at 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The meniscal covering ratio in the tendon + BMA group was better than that in the tendon and untreated groups at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. The matrix around the central portion of cells in the tendon + BMA group was positively stained by safranin O and toluidine blue staining with metachromasia at 24 weeks. The histological score of the tendon graft in the tendon + BMA group was significantly higher than that in the untreated and tendon groups at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. In the tendon + BMA group, cartilage erosion was not shown at 4 weeks, developed slowly, and was better preserved at 12 and 24 weeks compared to the untreated and tendon groups. Histological scores for the articular cartilage were significantly better in the tendon + BMA group at 24 weeks. The compressive stress on the tendon graft in the tendon + BMA group was significantly higher than that in the tendon group at 12 weeks postoperatively. Transplantation of autogenous tendon grafts by injecting BMA improved the histologic score of the regenerated meniscal tissue and was more effective than the tendon and untreated group for preventing cartilage degeneration in a rabbit model of massive meniscal defects.

Using Single Peroneal Longus Tendon Graft for Segmental Meniscus Transplantation and Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Combined Anterolateral Reconstruction

“…In 2022, Hiroaki Nakamura published a study investigating the use of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) injection to enhance the histological properties of autologous tendon as a meniscus graft [ 20 ]. And, they concluded that the autogenous tendon grafts by injecting BMA improved the histologic score of the regenerated meniscal tissue.…”

Total meniscus replacement with a 3D printing of network hydrogel composite scaffold in a rabbit model

“…The sample size was calculated using power analysis ( β = 0.1 and α = 0.05) assuming a 2.5 difference in mean ICRS scores and a standard deviation of 1, as described in a previous study [7]. SPSS (version 24.0) was used for statistical analysis and all data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.…”

The Use of Free Fibula Flap in Different Extremities and Our Clinical Results

“…Although the iliac bone, scapula, femur, rib, and radius have been used successfully for upper extremity reconstruction, the fibula has become the most appropriate choice for upper extremity reconstruction [ 7 ]. Vascular fibula transfer will be a more appropriate option for previous surgery in bone defects larger than 6 cm or for defective pseudoarthrosis with impaired blood supply secondary to infection [ 8 ]. With the vascular fibula graft, many surgeons have achieved significant union within an average of four to six months [ 9 ].…”