ARTHROSCOPIC MENISCAL REPAIR USING FIBRIN GLUE .1. EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

An experimental study of rabbit menisci was carried out to evaluate th e healing-promoting properties of fibrin glue and fibrin glue-containi ng marrow cells. A full-thickness defect, 1.5 mm in diameter, was made within the avascular portion of the meniscus and left empty in 20 men isci (C group), filled with fibrin glue in 20 menisci (F group), and f illed with fibrin glue-containing marrow cells in 20 menisci (M group) . Measurements of the remaining defects and histological examinations were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after each procedure, Overall, th e remaining defects in the F group and, particularly, in the M group w ere significantly smaller than those in the C group at the various tim e points. Furthermore, the results of histological study showed earlie r mature healing of the defects in the M group than of those in the F group. Our results suggest that fibrin glue, especially in a preparati on containing marrow cells, may enhance meniscal healing.