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Meniscus transplant
DefinitionMeniscal allograft transplantation is a type of surgery in which a new meniscus, a cartilage ring in the knee, is placed into your knee. The new meniscus is taken from a person who has died (cadaver).
DescriptionThere are two cartilage rings in the center of each knee, one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus). When a meniscus is torn, it is commonly removed by knee arthroscopy. However, some people can still have pain after the meniscus is removed, or several years after the meniscus is removed.
A meniscus transplant places a new meniscus in your knee where the meniscus is missing. This procedure is only done in cases of meniscus tears that are so severe that all or nearly all of the meniscus cartilage has to be removed. The new meniscus can help knee pain and possibly prevent future Arthritis. The new meniscus is tissue taken from a cadaver (allograft).
If your doctor finds that you are a good candidate for a meniscus transplant, x-rays of your knee are usually taken to find a meniscus that will fit your knee. The allograft is tested in the lab for possible diseases.
Other surgeries, such as ligament or cartilage repairs, may be performed at the time of the meniscus transplantation or with a separate surgery.
The meniscus transplant is usually performed by knee arthroscopy. You will likely be asleep during the surgery. When arthroscopy is performed, a camera is inserted into your knee through a small poke hole, and is connected to a video monitor. First, the surgeon will check the cartilage and ligaments of your knee. Then the surgeon will confirm that a meniscus transplant is appropriate, and that you don't have severe arthritis of the knee.
The new meniscus will be prepared to fit your knee correctly. If any tissue remains from your old meniscus, it will be removed using a shaver or other instruments. An incision is made in the front of your knee to insert the new meniscus into the knee. Sutures are used to sew the new meniscus in place. Another incision may be needed to sew the meniscus in place. Screws or other devices may be used to hold the meniscus in place.
After the surgery is finished, the incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied. During the arthroscopy, most surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor to show you what was found and what was done.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedMeniscus allograft transplantation may be recommended for knee problems such as:
- Knee pain
- Unstable knee
- Knee that gives way
- Inability to play sports or other activities
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
The risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
Additional risks include:
- Stiffness of the knee
- Failure of the surgery to relieve symptoms
- Failure of the meniscus to heal
- Tear of the new meniscus
- Disease transmission from the cadaver's meniscus
- Pain in the knee
- Weakness of the knee
Meniscus allograft transplantation is difficult surgery. However, in people who are missing the meniscus and have pain, it can be very successful. Most people have less knee pain after meniscal allograft transplantation.
Outlook (Prognosis)After the surgery, you will probably wear a knee brace for the first 1 to 6 weeks. You also may need crutches for 1 to 6 weeks to prevent putting full weight on your knee. Most people can move the knee immediately after surgery to help prevent any stiffness. Pain is usually managed with medications.
Physical therapy may help you regain the motion and strength of your knee. Therapy lasts for between 4 and 6 months.
How soon you can return to work will depend on your job, but it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Most people have to wait between 6 months and 1 year to fully return to activities and sports.
ReferencesPacker JD, Rodeo SA. Meniscal allograft transplantation. Clin Sports Med. April 2009;28(2);259-283.
Miller RH III. Knee injuries. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 43.
What else can I help you with?
Does a meniscal tear cause joint effusion?
Harry Potter
What is the worest type of Meniscal tear and can you have two tears at once?
worest
Is meniscal tear a operative one or any alternative?
They generally won't heal on their own without surgery.
What is the most common type of meniscal tear?
the bucket handle -- an incomplete longitudinal tear with displacement of the inner portion of the meniscus
What does a displaced meniscal tear mean?
A displaced meniscal tear refers to a situation where the torn segment of the meniscus has shifted from its normal position within the knee joint. This can lead to symptoms like locking or catching in the knee, as well as pain and swelling. Treatment may involve arthroscopic surgery to either repair or remove the displaced segment of the meniscus.
What does Degenerative intrinsic signal abnormality of the posterior horn mean?
What is Worse radial tear of the medial meniscus body with 1.1 cm meniscal gap?
What is The injury that involves the semilunar cartilage?
The injury involving the semilunar cartilage, commonly known as the meniscus, typically refers to a meniscal tear. This injury often occurs in the knee due to sudden twisting motions or heavy impact, leading to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Meniscal tears are classified into various types, and treatment options can range from conservative management, such as rest and physical therapy, to surgical intervention in more severe cases.
What is the average settlement for knee injury requiring Meniscal resection partial of both the Medial and Lateral Meniscus Half knee replacement will be needed and should the surgery be covered by WC?
90k
What does abnormal intrasubstance meniscal signal of the medial meniscus mean?
Abnormal intrasubstance meniscal signal of the medial meniscus typically indicates a potential injury or degeneration of the meniscus, which may include tears or other pathologies. This finding is often detected through imaging studies like MRI and suggests that the meniscus is not functioning properly, potentially leading to joint pain or instability. Further evaluation and clinical correlation are usually necessary to determine the appropriate treatment or interventions.
What type of surgery is used to fix a meniscal tear?
To fix a meniscal tear, arthroscopic surgery is commonly used. This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions and using a camera and specialized instruments to repair or remove the damaged meniscus. Depending on the tear's severity, the surgeon may either stitch the torn edges together or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. Rehabilitation and physical therapy usually follow to restore function and strength.
What would Positive apley's compression test with lateral rotation mean?
A positive Apley's compression test with lateral rotation may indicate a meniscal injury in the knee joint. This test involves pressing down and twisting the knee, which can reproduce pain and clicking sensations often associated with meniscus tears. Further testing and evaluation by a healthcare professional would be needed to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
What has the author Scott T Porter written?
Scott T. Porter has written: 'Analysis of in-vivo meniscal kinematic motion of the non-injured knee' -- subject(s): Imaging, Knee, Meniscus (Anatomy), Human mechanics, Movements
