FIBRIN CLOT FOR REPAIR OF THE CANINE MENISCUS DEFECT

A fibrin clot contains numerous growth factors to accelerate tissue healing. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of fibrin clot either from bone marrow or peripheral blood on meniscal defects at the avascular area of the anterior part of the canine medial meniscus of the stifle joint. Twelve dogs were divided randomly into 2 groups: the bone marrow blood group (6) and the peripheral blood group (6). A defect was created at the avascular area of the medial meniscus near the anterior horn, then a fibrin clot was implanted. All animals were euthanized at 3 months post-implantation. Medial meniscal samples were collected, examined, and stained by H&E. Grossly, both treated groups revealed complete filling of the meniscal defect with newly formed tissue resembling the surrounding tissue. Histologically, the repaired tissue contains chondrocytes embedded in unarranged, oriented collagen bundles surrounded by fibrous connective tissue. The use of fibrin clots from different sources might represent the potential method for repair of avascular meniscal defects in large animal models.