14 DAY TRIAL // The meniscus is the crescent-shaped cartilage that covers the joint of the knee, among other joints in the body. It is also a really nasty thing to rupture. Not just because it is agonizingly painful and debilitating, but most injuries to it will result in permanent lingering pains and other complications.
Orthopedists can't do much to regenerate a torn meniscus, and without us gaining a regenerative factor like Wolverine, there's nothing we can do about it.
Fortunately, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City found a solution: a 3D printed meniscus implant.
First an MRI scan is taken of the meniscus, or rather menisci since there are two of them, in the undamaged knee.
Then they are converted into a 3D image. The model is then used to make a 3D printed scaffold in the precise shape of the meniscus. After that, a new meniscus is made from a biodegradable polymer called polycaprolactone. The printing takes only around 30 minutes.
The scaffold is infused with connective growth factor as well (CTGF) and transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3). They are released in very specific order in certain regions of the scaffold, attracting stem cells already in the patient's body and recreating meniscal tissue over time.
A pretty interesting process, one that can completely heal injuries that would otherwise have lasting effects.
