Meniscal suture. An experimental study in the dog.

A longitudinal tear was made and then sutured in the peripheral quarter of the medial meniscus of 43 dogs. The sutured menisci were examined using histologic and microangiographic techniques at regular intervals during a 12-week period. Biomechanical tests were also performed. The healing process was promoted not only by the synovial blood supply but also by the peripheral blood supply. Even at the end of 12 weeks, the healing tissue was mainly composed of fibrous tissue, but chondrocytelike cells were also found. The tensile forces were calculated and compared with the opposite leg. The maximum tensile strength reached 80% of that of the opposite side at the end of the 12-week period.