Age-related blood and lymph supply of the knee menisci. A cadaver study.

We investigated 20 human menisci (22 weeks of gestation-80 years) immunohistochemically with an antibody against laminine in the basement membrane. Differentiation of blood vessels and lymphatics was possible with histochemical proof of alkaline phosphatase and 5' nucleotidase in the endothelium. Blood vessels entered the menisci from the joint capsule accompanied by loose connective tissue. In the 22nd gestational week, vessels could only be found in the lateral third. At the time of birth, nearly the whole meniscus was vascularized. In the second year of life, an avascular area developed inside the inner circumference. In the second decennium, blood vessels occurred only in the lateral third. After 50 years of age, only the lateral quarter of the meniscal base was vascularized. The dense connective tissue of the insertion was vascularized, but not the fibrocartilage of the insertion. Blood vessels were accompanied by lymphatics in all areas.