EFFICACY OF AUTOGENIC MENISCUS REPLACEMEN T BY PATELLAR TENDON COATEDWITH FASCIA LATA IN VIEW OF BIOMECHANICS AND BONE-DENSITY PATTERN

Meniscus replacement by a autogenic patellar tendon and fascia lata co mposite graft was proved in 14 merino sheep in comparison to meniscect omy and untouched knees. In spite of low tensile strength the grafts t ake over load distribution and buffer function. The displacement of th e bone density maximum following medial meniscectomy can be partially prevented by the proposed autogenic meniscus replacement. This can be shown morphologically by decreased cartilage damage. The biomechanical pathomechanism which is responsible for the destruction of the joint is reduced.