A porous polyurethane prosthesis was used to replace the lateral meniscus in the
dog. After an initial ingrowth of fibrous tissue, the prostheses became filled
with tissue strongly resembling normal meniscal fibrocartilage. Although less
severe than seen after total meniscectomy, cartilage degeneration was frequent,
possibly because tissue ingrowth in the prostheses occurred too slowly. Porous
polymers can be useful for replacement of the meniscus, provided that chemical
and physical properties are optimized.
