A meniscal transplant surgery is an arthroscopic procedure that replaces the partial or absent meniscus in the knee with donor cartilage from a cadaver. This is performed if the meniscus is badly damaged and cannot be repaired.
Overview of procedure
- A small incision is made over the tibia (shin bone)
- Any remaining fragments of meniscus tissue will be removed arthroscopically and the joint will be prepped for the new tissue
- A frozen cadaver (donor) meniscus will be inserted into the place of the old meniscus
- The allograft (graft from a donor) will be anchored in place on the tibia.
Pre-treatment considerations
- This procedure is for young active patients with a meniscal deficiency.
- If the meniscal deficiency has already led to osteoarthritis in the knee then a meniscal transplant can NOT be performed.
- Patients must be younger than 55, active, and otherwise healthy
- Not recommended for those over-weight or obese
- Must have stable ligaments and normal bone alignment
- Most commonly performed on younger men with a missing or severely injured meniscus
- Correct sizing of the donor meniscus is vital to the success of the operation.
Post-treatment considerations and recovery
- Outpatient procedure where the patient is released that day.
- The patient will be immobilized in a brace and given crutches to use for 4-6 weeks while the donor meniscus becomes permanently attached.
- Physical therapy is begun after the first 4-6 weeks of immobilization to increase range of motion and strength around the joint
- Total physical rehabilitation will take approximately 2-3 months
- The patient will be able to begin sports/activity in 6-12 months depending on the intensity of the sport/activity
Pros and benefits
- Offers pain relief and prevents joint space narrowing
- Maintains normal bone alignment and protects from bone damage/decay
- Supports, stabilizes, and cushions the knee
- Safe and effective treatment
Cons, risks, and possible side effects
- Stiffness and loss of range of motion
- Incomplete healing
- Rejection of donor tissue
- Bleeding and blood clots
- Infection
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- 21-55% of transplants fail within 10 years.
