Transplantation of tissue to repair the knee.
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Knee Transplantation
A knee transplant may involve the transplantation of bone, cartilage, or soft tissue to repair serious injuries or defects in the joint.
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A meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage ring that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. A meniscal tear can cause pain, swelling, and arthritis.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments include ice, rest, and physical therapy. In some cases, the meniscus may be removed or, for older individuals, a knee replacement may be an option. Meniscal transplantation is an alternative for younger patients.
Indications
The ideal candidate for a meniscal transplant is a young to middle-aged patient (under 50) with a stable, well-aligned knee and intact articular cartilage. They should have already had a prior meniscectomy and complain of persistent pain. The procedure is not recommended for patients with severe arthritis.
Procedure
The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and prevent arthritis. It is performed under general anesthesia, usually with an arthroscope. The cartilage used for the transplant comes from a deceased donor and is pre-customized to fit the patient's knee. A surgical incision is made, the damaged meniscus is removed, and the new implant is secured in place with sutures, screws, or other fixation instruments.