The repair of meniscus defects induced in animal models using a biocompatible gel

Meniscus is an intraarticular tissue that enables smooth knee joint movement, organizes distribution of loads in lower limbs and protects intraarticular structures. The incidence of meniscus injuries has been increasing each day with the accelerating pace of life, thereby leading to poorer quality of life. The treatment methods were classified in two categories, i.e. conservative and surgical, in the literature depending on the type and size of meniscus injuries and joint health of patients. It is known that conservative treatments fail to suffice and surgical treatment is needed in many types of meniscus injuries, based on the unique nutrition and healing condition of meniscal tissue. In addition, surgical treatments were shown to shorten the recovery period and considerably protect intraarticular functions, when they had biological and regenerative components. This thesis aimed to evaluate the repair of meniscus defects observed after chronic meniscus injuries in animal models, with the aid of an injectable biogel and without the need for suturing. In the mentioned study of animal models, ten animal models were used for the control group and each of the experimental groups. Biomechanical evaluation was performed after the repair of meniscus defects with biogel. In the in vitro study concerning the structure of the biogel to be prepared, alginate 2% and calcium chloride (CaCl2) 10% were used in the solution. Macroscopic examination also showed that these concentrations provided the best elasticity and strength. Previously induced meniscus defects were repaired in the study group with the use of a biogel, which had filamentous structure due to the use of a suitable collision pool and output lumen, by employing an isostatic synchronous injection system. This was followed by biomechanical tests in the study and control groups. As a result of the evaluations, elasticities were found to be similar; 7.658 ± 1.017 for normal meniscus tissue and 6.974775 ± 0.955 for meniscus tissue injected with biogel. Consequently, it was observed that the repair of meniscus defects with injectable biogel contributed to the intraarticular biomechanical support functions of meniscus tissue.