Porous Meniscus Implant Encourages Blood Vessel Growth

A new meniscus implant encourages the growth of blood vessels, promoting the natural growth of meniscus-like tissue to repair and heal the native tissue.

Actifit is a resorbable, extremely porous polymer scaffold material that was especially designed to encourage tissue growth and regeneration in the meniscus, a circular-shaped disc of cartilage tissue that act as a shock absorber in the knee. Although tough and durable, the biocompatible material remains soft enough to easily cut to shape and suture securely. The surgical procedure involves cutting back the damaged meniscus to an area with good blood supply. Actifit is then cut to fit, inserted into the void where the damaged meniscus was removed, and sutured in place. The patient should be able to resume a relatively normal, active life after a short rehabilitation period. Actifit is under development by Orteq Bioengineering (Cambridge, UK).

"Actifit is expected to allow a safe, simple procedure with the prospect of faster rehabilitation and reduced pain,” said Prof. Rene Verdonk of University Hospital (Gent, Belgium), the lead investigator in the European clinical trial, who performed the first surgical procedure. "This could be a new option for patients that will avoid the potential long term degenerative effects of removing damaged meniscal tissue.”

The medial and lateral menisci are fixed between the two weight-bearing surfaces within the knee, and as such can become "pinched” by the other structures of the knee between the joint when an injury occurs. Typically, the injury involves twisting on a bent knee. When this happens the menisci can become torn ("torn cartilage”). Meniscal tears, when surgery is indicated, are treated using arthroscopic surgery or mini open surgery.


Related Links:
Orteq Bioengineering
University Hospital