The challenge of implant integration in partial meniscal replacement: an experimental study on a silk fibroin scaffold in sheep

摘要

PurposeTo restore meniscal function after excessive tissue damage, a silk fibroin implant for partial meniscal replacement was developed and investigated in an earlier sheep model. After 6 months implantation, it showed promising results in terms of chondroprotection and biocompatibility. To improve surgical fixation, the material was subjected to optimisation and a fibre mesh was integrated into the porous matrix. The aim of the study was the evaluation of this second generation of silk fibroin implants in a sheep model.