Meniscal transplant

Illustration of the meniscus area at the top of the tibia, showing the prepared bone-plugs being slotted into the recipient area. — Meniscus graft being slotted into place via bone blocks.

Illustration of a donor meniscus secured on a donor bone bridge. — Meniscus with bone block.

Techniques of meniscus transplantation

The graft can be inserted via different methods. Most often donor meniscus with a bone block is prepared and slotted into a matching slot in the bone at the top of the tibia in a 'tongue-and-groove' fashion.

Cells from the patient will migrate into the transplanted tissue and help to restore its function.

To date, no particular surgical technique has demonstrated superiority. Therefore, there are several used approaches (mini-open or arthroscopic), horns-fixation techniques (soft-tissue, bone-plugs, or bone-bridge), and peripheral suture techniques (inside-out or all-inside). Ipsilateral malalignment, instability, and/or chondral defects should be corrected or repaired if MAT is being performed.

Ron Gilat et al

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Outcomes of meniscus transplant

Good clinical outcomes can generally be expected, although arthritis may still be a long-term complication.

MAT offers an acceptable surgical solution for appropriately indicated patients who are not amenable to meniscus repair.

Rachel M Frank et al

Meniscal transplant

Techniques of meniscus transplantation

The graft can be inserted via different methods. Most often donor meniscus with a bone block is prepared and slotted into a matching slot in the bone at the top of the tibia in a 'tongue-and-groove' fashion.

Outcomes of meniscus transplant

Good clinical outcomes can generally be expected, although arthritis may still be a long-term complication.

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