From the Research
Meniscus transplant is a recommended surgical procedure for select symptomatic and relatively young patients (<50 years of age) with a meniscal deficiency, as it can provide significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and reduce the risk of early osteoarthritis. The ideal candidates for this procedure are those who have had a previous total or near-total meniscectomy and are experiencing pain in the affected compartment of the knee, with normal knee alignment, stable ligaments, minimal arthritis, and persistent pain despite conservative treatments 1.
Key Considerations
- The surgery involves arthroscopically removing any remaining damaged meniscus tissue and implanting the donor meniscus, which is secured with sutures.
- Recovery typically requires 4-6 weeks on crutches with limited weight-bearing, followed by 3-6 months of physical therapy focusing on range of motion exercises, strengthening, and gradual return to activities.
- Success rates are generally good, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function, though the transplanted meniscus may not last indefinitely.
- Contraindications to meniscus transplant include asymptomatic patients, severe osteoarthritis, uncorrectable malalignment or instability, irreparable chondral damage, active infection, or inflammatory arthropathy 1.
Outcomes and Survival Rates
- MAT survival rates are estimated at 73.5% at 10 years and 60.3% at 15 years, with a mean time-to-failure of approximately 8 years 1.
- Significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes is expected following MAT, with 90% of patients reporting they would undergo the procedure again 1.
- Reoperation rates are estimated at 32%, with the most common complication being a tear of the meniscal allograft 1.
Recent Studies
- A study published in 2020 found that meniscus transplantation is a viable surgical option for patients with severe cartilage damage and missing or irreparable menisci, providing significant improvements in pain and function levels in the medium to long term 1.
- Another study published in 2015 found that meniscus transplantation can allow sports participation postoperatively, with 73.5% of patients able to participate in sporting activities after the procedure 2.