A comprehensive understanding of the self-repair abilities of menisci and their overall function in the knee joint requires three-dimensional information. However, previous investigations of the meniscal blood supply have been limited to two-dimensional imaging methods, which fail to accurately capture tissue complexity. In this study, micro-CT was used to analyse the 3D microvascular structure of the meniscus, providing a detailed visualization and precise quantification of the vascular network. A contrast agent (μAngiofil®) was injected directly into the femoral artery of cadaver legs to provide the proper contrast enhancement. First, the entire knee joint was analysed with micro-CT, then to increase the applicable resolution the lateral and medial menisci were excised and investigated with a maximum resolution of up to 4 μm. The resulting micro-CT datasets were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Key parameters of the vascular network, such as vascular volume fraction, vessel radius, vessel length density, and tortuosity, were separately determined for the lateral and medial meniscus, and their four circumferential zones defined by Cooper. In accordance with previous literature, the quantitative micro-CT data confirm a decrease in vascular volume fraction along the meniscal zones. The highest concentration of blood vessels was measured in the meniscocapsular region 0, which is characterized by vascular segments with a significantly larger average radius. Furthermore, the highest vessel length density observed in zone 0 suggests a more rapid delivery of oxygen and nutrients compared to other regions. Vascular tortuosity was detected in all circumferential regions, indicating the occurrence of vascular remodelling in all tissue areas. In conclusion, micro-CT is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows for the visualization of the internal structure of an object in three dimensions. These advanced 3D vascular analyses have the potential to establish new surgical approaches that rely on the healing potential of specific areas of the meniscus.
Thermal stability is a key property in determining the suitability of an antibiotic agent for local application in the treatment of orthopaedic infections. Despite the fact that long-term therapy is a stated goal of novel local delivery carriers, data describing thermal stability over a long period are scarce, and studies that avoid interference from specific carrier materials are absent from the orthopaedic literature. In this study, a total of 38 frequently used antibiotic agents were maintained at 37°C in saline solution, and degradation and antibacterial activity assessed over six weeks. The impact of an initial supplementary heat exposure mimicking exothermically curing bone cement was also tested as this material is commonly used as a local delivery vehicle. Antibiotic degradation was assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, or by immunoassays, as appropriate. Antibacterial activity over time was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay.Objectives
Methods
One of the most common pathogen causing musculoskeletal infections is Summary
Introduction
