Meniscal biology in health and disease

ABSTRACT

The knee is a fascinating yet complex joint. Researchers and clinicians agree that the joint is an organ comprised of highly specialized intrinsic and extrinsic tissues contributing to both health and disease. Key to the function and movement of the knee are the menisci, exquisite fibrocartilage structures that are critical structures for maintaining biological and biomechanical integrity of the joint. The biological/physiological functions of the menisci must be understood at the tissue, cellular and even molecular levels in order to determine clinically relevant methods for assessing it and influencing it. By investigating normal and pathological functions at the basic science level, we can begin to translate data to patients. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of this translational pathway so that progression toward improved diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic strategies can be effectively pursued. We have thoroughly examined the pathobiological, biomarker, and imaging aspects of meniscus research. This translational approach can be effective toward optimal diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for the millions of patients who suffer from meniscal disorders each year.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomarkers
• imaging
• knee function
• knee pathobiology
• meniscus

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Steve Friedman, University of Missouri for his extensive editorial contributions; to Stacy Cheavens, University of Missouri for creating the illustrations for figures; and Dr. Hollis Potter & Dr. Matthew Koff, Hospital for Special Surgery MRI Laboratory for providing magnetic resonance images.

Declaration of interest

The following authors have no conflicts of interest to declare: Keiichi Kuroki, Aaron Stoker and Farrah Monibi.

Brandon Roller declares: paid consultant, Bone Solutions, Inc.

James Cook declares:

• Arthrex, Inc: IP royalties; Paid consultant; Paid presenter or speaker; Research support

• CONMED Linvatec: Paid consultant

• Coulter Foundation: Research support

• DePuy, A Johnson & Johnson Company: Research support

• Eli Lilly: Paid consultant

• Journal of Knee Surgery: Editorial or governing board

• Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation: Board or committee member; Research support

• National Institutes of Health (NIAMS & NICHD): Research support

• Nutramax: Research support

• Schwartz Biomedical: Paid consultant

• Thieme: Publishing royalties, financial or material support

• U.S. Department of Defense: Research support

• Zimmer: Research support