Meniscus Transplant

As described in the section on meniscectomy, sometimes the best way to treat the damaged meniscus is to remove it entirely.  Some patients then have the option to receive a meniscus transplant, where cartilage from a cadaver (also known as allograft) is used to replace the patient’s removed meniscus.

A number of factors are considered when determining whether a patient is a good candidate for a meniscus transplant procedure.

• How old is the patient?  Often the procedure will not be recommended if the patient is under 20 or over 40.
• Does the patient have pain and swelling that has not responded to other forms of treatment?
• Does the patient have arthritis?  If arthritis is already present the patient is generally not a good candidate for a meniscus transplant.
• Is the patient’s knee otherwise in good condition?  For example it is important that the knee be well-aligned, and that the patient not be bowlegged or knock-kneed.
• Has the patient already had a partial or complete meniscectomy?  If the patient has had a complete meniscectomy, and has lived without a meniscus for a period of time, damage may have already occurred within the knee that would preclude a successful meniscus transplant.
• Will the patient be willing and able to do the prescribed rehabilitation following the procedure?
• Is there donor material available?  Only a limited number of menisci are available from tissue donors.

The objective of a meniscus transplant is to restore normal joint function through the cushioning support of the transplanted meniscus tissue.  Long term it is hoped that this will in turn slow or halt any further degeneration of the joint and the onset of osteoarthritis.