Microvascular Anatomy and Intrinsic Gene Expression of Menisci From Young Adults

BACKGROUND: Meniscal vascular supply is an important determinant of its healing potential. It has been reported that only the peripheral 30% of the meniscus is vascularized in cadavers aged 53 to 94 years; however, the vascularity in young patients, in whom meniscal repair is more often performed, is unknown. PURPOSE: The primary objective was to analyze and measure the microvascular anatomy of the meniscus in adult cadaveric specimens <35 years old. The secondary objective was to assess angiogenic potential by quantifying regional gene expression in a meniscal allograft cohort <45 years old. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: ) was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: ) based on circumferential or radial meniscal locations. CONCLUSION: was low throughout all regions of uninjured menisci from young adults, which is consistent with reports in older specimens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improved understanding of meniscal vascular supply in young adults is critical to informing clinical treatment decisions.