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Our early work focused on the systematic histologic and pathologic examination of injured joint tissues, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus and articular cartilage.
To identify and define the deficiencies in the healing process for these tissues, IRB approval was obtained, and intact and injured human specimens of intra-articular tissues were collected over a 5 year period. Evaluated tissues included ligament, meniscus, cartilage and tendon.
Gross examination and histomorphometric analyses was performed in a consistent manner for all tissues. Parameters of cell density, vascularity and extracellular matrix organization were systematically evaluated. Cellular functions including proliferative capability, migration characteristics and capacity for extracellular matrix production were evaluated for cells from normal(3, 5) and injured tissues(6, 10).
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