443 Cellular and Biomechanical Segmental Characterization of Human Meniscus

Purpose: The regeneration of meniscus lesions using tissue engineering strategies has recently been attracting great deal of attention. Tissue engineering driven approaches however, require a better knowledge on the segmental composition of meniscus from both biological and biomechanical point of view. With this work we aim to contribute to the knowledge of this tissue aiming future clinical applications in particular, the aspects dealing with the segmental analysis of cellular phenotype and distribution, mechanical properties and extracellular matrix composition.