ArticleOrthopaedic surgery2021
Microstructure Analysis and Reconstruction of a Meniscus.
Article in Orthopaedic surgery, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 17 citations in OpenAlex.
- Biomechanics of horizontal meniscus tear and healing during knee flexion: Finite element analysis.Mechanobiology in medicine · 2025Article
- Mechanics of knee meniscus results from precise balance between material microstructure and synovial fluid viscosity.PloS one · 2025Article
- Revealing the complexity of meniscus microvasculature through 3D visualization and analysis.Scientific reports · 2024Article
- Primary Cooperative Application of a LARS® Tube and 3D-Printed Prosthesis for Reconstruction of the Distal Radius after en bloc Resection of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Comparative Retrospective Study.Orthopaedic surgery · 2023Article
- Region- and layer-specific investigations of the human menisci using SHG imaging and biaxial testing.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2023Article
- Meniscus regeneration by 3D printing technologies: Current advances and future perspectives.Journal of tissue engineeringReview
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Authors and funding
7 authors at 3 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveTo analyze the characteristics of menicus microstructure and to reconstruct a microstructure-mimicing 3D model of the menicus.
methodsHuman and sheep meniscus were collected and prepared for this study. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were conducted for histological analysis of the meniscus. For submicroscopic structure analysis, the meniscus was first freeze-dried and then scanned by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The porosity of the meniscus was determined according to SEM images. A micro-MRI was used to scan each meniscus, immersed in distilled water, and a 3D digital model was reconstructed afterwards. A three-dimensional (3D) resin model was printed out based on the digital model. Before high-resolution micro-CT scanning, each meniscus was freeze-dried. Then, micro-scale two-dimensional (2D) CT projection images were obtained. The porosity of the meniscus was calculated according to micro-CT images. With micro-CT, multiple 2D projection images were collected. A 3D digital model based on 2D CT pictures was also reconstructed. The 3D digital model was exported as STL format. A 3D resin model was printed by 3D printer based on the 3D digital model.
resultsAs revealed in the HE and Masson images, a meniscus is mostly composed of collagen, with a few cells disseminated between the collagen fiber bundles at the micro-scale. The SEM image clearly shows the path of highly cross-linked collagen fibers, and massive pores exist between the fibers. According to the SEM images, the porosity of the meniscus was 34.1% (34.1% ± 0.032%) and the diameters of the collagen fibers were varied. In addition, the cross-linking pattern of the fibers was irregular. The scanning accuracy of micro-MRI was 50 μm. The micro-MRI demonstrated the outline of the meniscus, but the microstructure was obscure. The micro-CT clearly displayed microfibers in the meniscus with a voxel size of 11.4 μm. The surface layer, lamellar layer, circumferential fibers, and radial fibers could be identified. The mean porosity of the meniscus according to micro-CT images was 33.92% (33.92% ± 0.03%). Moreover, a 3D model of the microstructure based on the micro-CT images was built. The microscale fibers could be displayed in the micro-CT image and the reconstructed 3D digital model. In addition, a 3D resin model was printed out based on the 3D digital model.
conclusionIt is extremely difficult to artificially simulate the microstructure of the meniscus because of the irregularity of the diameter and cross-linking pattern of fibers. The micro-MRI images failed to demonstrate the meniscus microstructure. Freeze-drying and micro-CT scanning are effective methods for 3D microstructure reconstruction of the meniscus, which is an important step towards mechanically functional 3D-printed meniscus grafts.
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