Evaluation of Histological Properties of Human Meniscal Grafts Stored in a Tissue Bank

• Published in: Revista brasileira de ortopedia Vol. 55; no. 6; pp. 778 - 782
• Main Authors: Netto, Alfredo Dos Santos, Antebi, Uri, Morais, Carolina Esteves de, Sementilli, Leonardo, Severino, Nilson Roberto, Cury, Ricardo de Paula Leite
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda 01.12.2020; Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia
• Subjects: Artigo Original; meniscus; ORTHOPEDICS; tibial menisci; tissue bank; transplantation; tibial menisci; meniscus; transplantation; tissue bank; meniscos tibiais; banco de tecidos; menisco; transplante
• ISSN: 0102-3616; 1982-4378; 1982-4378
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709199

The present paper aims to evaluate and compare the histological features of fresh and frozen menisci stored in a tissue bank for 1 month and for 5 years.  The meniscal grafts were subjected to a histological study. A total of 10 menisci were evaluated; 2 were frozen for 5 years, 4 were frozen for 1 month, and 4 were fresh, recently harvested specimens. Histological properties were evaluated in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome methods.  The menisci frozen for 1 month showed partially preserved collagen fiber structure and no significant hydropic tissue degeneration. The menisci frozen for 5 years presented an evident dissociation of collagen fibers and multiple foci of hydropic degeneration.  Degeneration was much more significant in menisci stored for 5 years, indicating that a long freezing period results in substantial progression of tissue deterioration. This may suggest that the 5-year period, considered the maximum time for graft storage before transplant, is too long.  Grafts stored for 1 month showed a slight degenerative change in collagen fibers, whereas menisci frozen for 5 years presented significant tissue degeneration.