The effect of an exogenous fibrin clot on the regeneration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: an in vivo experimental study in dogs.

The effect of an exogenous fibrin clot on the regeneration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was examined in a dog model. In 12 mature dogs, bilateral TFCC resection was performed. The resulting defect was packed with an exogenous fibrin clot (experimental) while the contralateral side was left empty (control). Tissue regeneration was evaluated grossly and histologically at 6, 12, and 26 weeks. At each time period, the regenerated tissue in the fibrin clot-filled defect appeared more mature and more congruent with the adjacent cartilaginous surfaces than did the control (empty) defect. At 26 weeks, the clot regenerated tissue had the histological appearance of a normal TFCC with a homogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix, regularly oriented collagen fibers, and normal integration with the adjacent support structures of the joint. The results of this study indicate that an exogenous fibrin clot could be used to promote a fibrocartilaginous repair tissue for a resected TFCC. Such therapy could be used in the arthroscopic treatment of TFCC injury and resection in an effort to improve postoperative outcome.