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Meniscal allograft transplantation: a review of indications, techniques, and outcomes

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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Abstract

When compared to meniscectomy, meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) may provide superior long-term benefits to young, active patient populations who have lost meniscal function because of irreparable damage, such as, an avascular tear, previous repair failure, and unsalvageable tear types. Positive outcomes are most likely to be achieved when meniscus allograft transplantation is performed in appropriately selected patients. Indications include patients younger than 50 years of age, with a history of subtotal or total meniscectomy without concomitant articular cartilage defects, uncorrectable joint malalignment, and/or knee instability. Outcomes for meniscal allograft transplantation are promising with studies reporting long-term graft survivorship as high as 89% at 10 years and significant improvements in multiple patient reported outcome measures.

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Funding

David C. Flanigan receives consulting income from Ceterix Orthopaedics, Depuy Synthes, Linvatec Corp., Smith and Nephew, Vericel, and Zimmer Biomet. The authors received no funding for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, OSU Sports Medicine Center, The Ohio State University, 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 3100, Columbus, OH, 43221, USA

    Alex C. DiBartola, Joshua S. Everhart, Scott Kuzma, Walter J. Kim & David C. Flanigan

  2. College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

    Parker A. Cavendish

  3. Department of Orthopaedics, Team Physician and Director of the Cartilage Restoration Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

    David C. Flanigan

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  1. Parker A. Cavendish
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Correspondence to David C. Flanigan.

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A. Cavendish, P., DiBartola, A.C., Everhart, J.S. et al. Meniscal allograft transplantation: a review of indications, techniques, and outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 28, 3539–3550 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06058-6

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