What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a C shaped shock absorber between the bones of the knee which protects the smooth shiny articular cartilage on the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) where they come together to form the knee joint. They protect the joint surface from daily wear and reduce friction between the thigh bone and shin bone. They also help stabilize the knee by controlling its rotation.
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How is the meniscus injured?
Any sudden twisting of the knee can tear the cartilage, causing pain, swelling and a catching sensation. It is a typical injury caused when the foot is planted in one direction and the knee twists in the other direction.
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What has been the treatment for torn meniscus?
Until about 15 years ago, standard treatment was to remove the entire cartilage wedge. Doctors now know that without the protection of the meniscus, the surface of the knee joint degenerates rapidly. The result is painful, disabling “wear and tear" arthritis (also called Osteoarthritis) within 10-15 years for most people. Because of these facts, surgeons at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers have repaired torn cartilage or removed only the torn portion since 1985. The decision to repair or remove cartilage depends on the location and severity of the tear. If the meniscus cannot be repaired or has been previously removed, a remarkable new procedure called a meniscus transplant can offer a positive solution.
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What is a meniscus transplant?
 A meniscal allograft is a cadaveric meniscus used to replace a defective or absent meniscus.
The latest advances in medical science have made it possible to transplant donor cartilage into your knee. In keeping with their consistent leadership in knee care, surgeons at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers have done more meniscus transplants than any other surgeons nationwide.
The cartilage transplant is an hour-long, outpatient, arthroscopic procedure. A regional anesthesia is used, and you will go home the same day.
You will wear an immobilizer to keep your leg straight during four weeks of physical therapy. Many patients may return to their active lifestyles, including sports, within 12-16 weeks.
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Why should I have a meniscus transplant?
The replacement of an absent (usually surgically removed) meniscus is used to prevent or delay the onset of arthritis and avoid or delay the need for knee replacement at a very early age. A transplant can allow you to continue working and enjoying your favorite sports or fitness activities. Anyone under age 50 who has had 50% or more of the meniscus removed is a candidate for a transplant. Also, anyone with a recent tear that cannot be repaired should consider a transplant.
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How do I know if I am a candidate for meniscal allograft?
If you have had arthroscopic surgery for a torn cartilage you are a candidate whether you are currently experiencing symptoms or not. The sooner your meniscus is replaced, the more likely is your complete success.
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What tests will I need to confirm the necessity of a meniscal allograft?
If you have had arthroscopic surgery for a torn cartilage you are a candidate whether you are currently experiencing symptoms or not. The sooner your meniscus is replaced, the more likely is your complete success.
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Is hospitalization required for a meniscal allograft?
No. The operation is an arthroscopic procedure completed as an “outpatient".
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Where will I have incisions?
You will have only a one inch incision on the front of your knee, plus three nicks in the skin so small that a suture is not needed.
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Will I need crutches after the operation?
No. But a soft brace will be necessary for 4 weeks.
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Will I need suppression drugs like a kidney transplant?
No. The meniscus is almost without cells and needs no suppression drugs.
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Do I have to wait for a suitable donor?
No. The meniscal allograft is cryopreserved (frozen) so there is a large inventory of various sizes already available.
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Is there any danger of transmissible infections such as AIDs from the donors?
No. The donors are carefully screened and then tested for transmissible infections.
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When can I return to work?
The time varies with the activities your job requires, ranging from seven days for desk jobs to 12-16 weeks for heavy labor.
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If I want to find out more, what's the next step?
Contact any Florida Knee and Orthopedic Center to schedule an x-ray and examination by one of our surgeons. In most cases, the surgeon will tell you at your first visit if you are a potential candidate for meniscus transplant. If you are not local to the Tampa Bay area, you can mail us your latest and greatest x-rays and the “op report" of your cartilage surgery. Our surgeons will review the information and we will email or telephone a response.
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