Meniscal transplant in people under 50 years – nearly two-thirds viable after 10 years but it isn’t a long term fix

Most people younger than 50 years old who have a torn or severely damaged meniscus (a thin fibrous cartilage between the surfaces of the knee) had less pain and improved knee function after transplant surgery, according to a small study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. And nearly two-thirds of transplants were still viable 10 years later.
A US team followed 38 people under 50 years old who had a meniscal transplant (who did not have arthritis) for an average of 11 years after surgery. They found that:

• 63% of meniscal transplants were viable at 10 years;
• 72% of people could take part in low-impact sports such as cycling and swimming;
• 11% of people with successful transplants had pain when engaging in daily activities.

In people who needed additional surgery, the meniscal transplants lasted seven to eight years after surgery, depending on which side of the knee the meniscus transplant was located.

“This data provides surgeons with reasonable percentages that encourage delaying additional major knee surgeries related to a damaged meniscus,” says Dr Frank Noyes, lead author. “However, the longer-term function of meniscus transplants remains questionable because the survivorship rate of the transplants decreases to between 40–15% at 15 years. Patients should be advised that this procedure is not curative in the long-term and additional surgery will most likely be necessary.”

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