Course Lecture Pearls: Advanced Knee-Meniscus-Meniscus Transplantation_ Indications, Techniques & Outcomes-Faculty Lecture

Meniscus Transplantation_ Indications, Techniques & Outcomes-Faculty Lecture_ John C. Richmond, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. John Richmond discusses meniscus transplantation, sharing his extensive experience since 1989. The procedure is indicated primarily for young patients with pain following meniscectomy, stable and well-aligned knees, and treatable cartilage lesions. Proper patient evaluation, including diagnostic arthroscopy, is critical to avoid wasted grafts. Modern transplantation uses fresh frozen allografts, which yield a functional meniscus at about 75-90% capacity, with less shrinkage than earlier techniques. Surgical techniques differ for medial and lateral menisci, utilizing bone plugs for better healing and minimizing meniscal extrusion—a major concern linked to long-term joint space narrowing and osteoarthritis. Postoperative care involves prolonged non-weight bearing and unloader bracing to protect the graft. Though meniscal transplants eventually shrink and may tear due to reduced cellularity, they provide meaningful symptom relief and joint preservation, especially in younger patients. Careful consideration of knee alignment, possible osteotomy, and patient age (ideally under 50) is essential for success.

Keywords

meniscus transplantation

meniscectomy pain

fresh frozen allografts

meniscal extrusion

postoperative care

knee alignment