Meniscus Transplantation

What is a meniscus transplantation?

Meniscus transplantation is a unique procedure that offers a solution to a prior meniscus injury by replacing this tissue of the original meniscus. This procedure can help to alleviate pain and preserve the health of the knee following a significant injury. Meniscus transplantation involves replacing the original meniscus with a donor meniscus that will function in the same way as the original.  Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who need a meniscus transplant and meet the requirements for this specialized knee cartilage transplant.

Why would a meniscus transplant be needed?

Meniscus injuries range in severity, and thus the treatment options also vary. A meniscus transplant is the preferred treatment when the previous meniscus injury is too severe to be repaired. The meniscus is crucial to maintaining a healthy knee joint and preventing early-onset osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage is a tough tissue found on the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). If the meniscus is missing or unable to perform its job, these two bone ends can rub together during the movement of the knee. Over time this will cause the articular cartilage to break down, causing pain and osteoarthritis of the knee to develop. Therefore, meniscus transplantation may be considered to alleviate pain and prevent conditions such as osteoarthritis or further injury to the knee.

How is meniscus transplantation done?

Meniscus transplantation is a complex procedure that must be performed by a highly skilled surgeon, like Dr. Lamplot. Prior to surgery, a donor meniscus from a cadaver (called an allograft) that is a safe match for the patient and fits the knee’s size and shape will be selected. Dr. Lamplot will then replace the meniscus with this donor tissue and secure it, thereby allowing it to heal in place and function. This is done using an arthroscope, or a small surgical camera, and specialized surgical tools that are placed into the knee to complete the surgery within the knee.

Am I a candidate for a meniscus transplant?

Meniscus transplantation is a complex surgery and therefore has strict requirements for potential candidates including:

• Persistent knee pain from previous injury
• Physically active
• Young patients under 50 years of age
• Normal knee alignment (or correctible via realignment surgery)
• Normal cartilage on the ends of the femur and tibia.
• Stable knee ligaments (or surgically reconstructed)
• Previous removal of the meniscus or irreparable meniscus tear

How long does it take to recover after meniscus transplantation?

Immediately following the surgery, the patient will be required to wear a knee brace to stabilize the joint so that the meniscus transplant can heal. The brace and crutches will be needed for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The patient must limit the amount of weight placed on the knee during this time to allow the meniscus transplant to heal properly. Most patients will be able to walk without a brace following this period. Physical therapy will begin at approximately two weeks postoperative which will focus on returning strength, range of motion, and flexibility to the knee and surrounding muscles. Strenuous physical activity must be avoided during the recovery period. Most patients can expect to achieve full recovery after approximately 6 to 12 months after meniscus transplantation surgery.

Meniscus Transplantation Surgeon