Researchers Develop Regenerative Therapies for Knee Meniscus Tears

Expert emphasizes the urgency of personalized, affordable 3D meniscal implants, citing the limitations and risks of current treatment options.

In a groundbreaking collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and the University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, researchers have devised three ingenious treatment solutions for a longstanding challenge in knee injury management.

Addressing the complex issue of knee meniscus tears (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Torn Meniscus

Go to source), which often arise from everyday activities, sports injuries, or aging, these regenerative therapies offer tailored alternatives for patients.

Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tear is a common knee injury. Meniscal tear can occur in anyone but the injury is more common among athletes.

‘The regenerative treatment approaches are tailored to each patient, facilitating rapid healing of meniscus tears or replacing damaged tissue. #kneeinjury #meniscustears ’

Published across prestigious international journals, the research, led by Prof. Biman B. Mandal and his team at IIT Guwahati, presents a significant advancement in treating knee injuries.

Revolutionizing Knee Injury Treatment: Innovative Solutions for Meniscus Tears

Prof. Mandal highlights, "These solutions account for the shape and size variability of the meniscus across different age groups, incorporating growth factors for better healing."

Traditionally, healing knee meniscus tears has been slow and challenging due to limited blood supply, often resulting in discomfort and long-term complications like osteoarthritis. The team’s innovative approach involves the development of three hydrogel formulations, blending silk fibroin and other polymers, known for their strength, bioactivity, and flexibility. These cost-effective materials offer promising alternatives to conventional implants.

Knee Pain - Symptom Evaluation
Knee pain is a common symptom that often affects obese and older individuals. Common causes of pain in the knee joint include osteoarthritis, torn menisci, torn ligaments etc.

Among the innovations are injectable hydrogels for smaller injuries and 3D bio-printable inks for complex tissue injuries. These bioinks, laden with growth factors, enable sustained release for accelerated meniscus healing. Leveraging 3D printing technology allows for customized implants tailored to individual patient needs, promoting rapid recovery and minimizing risks associated with traditional methods.

These groundbreaking techniques aim to provide more effective and personalized solutions, potentially enhancing the quality of life for millions affected by meniscus injuries.

Fracture of Knee Cap
Patella fracture is a kneecap injury that needs surgical correction. Undisplaced fracture can be healed by using a brace to keep the knee immobile.

Reference:

Torn Meniscus - (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/torn-meniscus)

Source-Medindia

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