Collagen fibres and mechanoreceptors in regenerated menisci of rabbits

Total menial meniscectomy was carried out on 30 mature rabbits; subsequent regeneration of the meniscus and degenerative joint changes were observed. Out of 30 knees, 22 had regenerated menisci and 10 of these had not developed gross degenerative changes after 6 months. Collagen fibres were arranged irregularly in the regenerated menisci, although in some areas they occurred in parallel. Every type of mechanoreceptor was found in the outer third of the normal menisci, and in the middle and outer third of the regenerated menisci with no statistical difference in numbers. Mechonoreceptors can regenerate in regenerated menisci and may protect the join from degeneration.