The effect of cast immobilization on meniscal healing. An experimental study in the dog.

摘要: A 1.5-cm longitudinal, full-thickness incision was made in the vascularized portion of medial meniscus 20 adult dogs and anatomically repaired. Postoperatively, animals were either placed a long leg cast (N = 9) or mobilized immediately 11). The sacrificed at 2 weeks (6 dogs), 4 10 (8 dogs). Five menisci from nonoperated side used as controls. Collagen content measured using digital image analysis system, collagen percentage repair tissue each postoperative treatment group compared. In 2-week 4-week groups, there no statistically significant difference between those immobilized versus that had early mobilization. 10-week significantly greater healing meniscal than (44.6% +/- 10% 27.0% 11%, P < 0.0001). There percentages contralateral control group. All other decreased compared with Prolonged immobilization decreases formation menisci. Thus, our results suggest patients undergoing isolated be after surgery for short periods only.