Meniscal remodeling following partial meniscectomy--an experimental study in the dog.

The response of the meniscus to partial meniscectomy (in the avascular zone) was evaluated in 15 dogs. Following surgery 10 of the 15 dogs (67%) demonstrated a remodeling of the cut surface of the meniscus. This process appeared to begin with a fibrin clot which adhered to the meniscectomy surface. The organized clot was then populated by fibrocytes and eventually modulated into a fibrocartilage-like tissue by 12 weeks. The origin of the cells is unknown and may represent a migration of cells from the synovium, a proliferation of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, or both. The remodeling process appears to be associated with the presence of a fibrin clot, presumably from residual hemarthrosis. In those menisci that did not remodel [five of 15 (33%)], the meniscectomy surface remained relatively unchanged with no signs of progressive degeneration.