Meniscal allograft transplantation

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Meniscal allograft transplantation is a transplant of a knee meniscus from one person to another. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Illustration of the meniscus area at the top of the tibia, showing the prepared bone-plugs being slotted into the recipient area.
The graft can be inserted via different methods.
Illustration of a donor meniscus secured on a donor bone bridge.
Here a donor meniscus with a bone block is prepared to be slotted into a matching slot in the bone at the top of the tibia in a 'tongue-and-groove' fashion.

Objectives of a meniscal transplant

The objective of a transplant is to restore the shock absorption on that side, and improve the limb alignment - both of which should lessen the risk of joint arthritis.

"....the general expert opinion is still that it is a procedure that should be reserved for symptomatic meniscal loss...."

Francisco Figueroa et al

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How long does a meniscal allograft last?

A meniscal allograft transplantation may last for many years, but there may nonetheless some progression to osteoarthritis.

"....The mean time to failure of the meniscal graft was 206.2 months ± 13.4 (18.0 years)...."

Raúl Torres-Claramunt et al

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A-Z Keywords - Allograft, Meniscus, Meniscectomy, Meniscal scaffold, MAT, Meniscal transplant, Donor meniscus, Meniscal allograft transplantation

Interpretation of Journal publication - "2020 - The results of meniscal allograft transplantation surgery: what is success?"

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