| abstract |
Transplanted meniscus tissue is used to treat degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, or other pathologic conditions of the spine. Harvested fibrocytes are added to a meniscus removed from a suitable donor, preferably a recently deceased human. The harvested meniscus could be processed to kill the cells but preserve the extracellular matrix. Killing the cells of the allograft meniscus minimizes the risk of disease transmission and graft refection. Fibrocytes or chondrocytes would be added to the harvested meniscus extracellular matrix prior to insertion of the engineered meniscus into a patient's spine. Alternatively, the cells could be added to the harvested meniscus during or after the meniscus is placed into a patient's spine. |