Tissue Engineering of Fibrocartilaginous Tissues: The Intervertebral Disc and the Meniscus

Abstract

Synopsis/AbstractThe intervertebral disc in the spine and the meniscus in the knee are two fibrocartilaginous tissues which commonly are injured or become degenerate, causing significant clinical problems. The principals of tissue engineering, which are applicable elsewhere in the body, hold true for the disc and meniscus. Whilst there are some similarities with articular cartilage in terms of the molecules present, these fibrocartilages have their own peculiarities, some of which can be quite challenging. Following a description of the structure and anatomy of the disc and meniscus and the current clinical treatments, the different strategies for biological repair are described focusing particularly on cell therapy. The types of cells and scaffolds being investigated and how these can be modified are discussed.