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Structure—Function relationships of equine menisci.

Authors :
Ribitsch, Iris
Peham, Christian
Ade, Nicole
Dürr, Julia
Handschuh, Stephan
Schramel, Johannes Peter
Vogl, Claus
Walles, Heike
Egerbacher, Monika
Jenner, Florien
Source :
PLoS ONE. 3/9/2018, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p1-17. 17p.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Meniscal pathologies are among the most common injuries of the femorotibial joint in both human and equine patients. Pathological forces and ensuing injuries of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus are considered analogous to those observed in the human posterior medial horn. Biomechanical properties of human menisci are site- and depth- specific. However, the influence of equine meniscus topography and composition on its biomechanical properties is yet unknown. A better understanding of equine meniscus composition and biomechanics could advance not only veterinary therapies for meniscus degeneration or injuries, but also further substantiate the horse as suitable translational animal model for (human) meniscus tissue engineering. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the composition and structure of the equine knee meniscus in a site- and age-specific manner and their relationship with potential site-specific biomechanical properties. The meniscus architecture was investigated histologically. Biomechanical testing included evaluation of the shore hardness (SH), stiffness and energy loss of the menisci. The SH was found to be subjected to both age and site-specific changes, with an overall higher SH of the tibial meniscus surface and increase in SH with age. Stiffness and energy loss showed neither site nor age related significant differences. The macroscopic and histologic similarities between equine and human menisci described in this study, support continued research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19326203
Volume :
13
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
PLoS ONE
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
128399130
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194052