Abstract
Purpose: To report on our early experience with a synthetic meniscal substitute inserted for symptomatic post meniscectomy medial or lateral knee pain.
Methods and results: Six patients underwent underwent insertion of a collagen meniscal implant (Menaflex, Hospital Innovations, UK). These were inserted onto a trephinated rim of vascular meniscus to permit the structural incorporation of healing tissue. Specific rehabilitation included 8 weeks on crutches and restricted activity for 6 months. Patients were prospectively analysed documenting KOOS, IKDC, Lysholm and SF36 outcome scores.
All patients were male, 4 patients had deficiencies in the right knee, 2 the left knee and the mean patient age was 28.8years (range 17–45). Four CMI were inserted for lateral meniscal deficiencies, two medial. The mean length of implant sutured in place was 41mm (range 35–55). Median pre op scores were KOOS P/S/ADL/QOL 53/100, 54/100, 66/100, 25/100, 44/100, IKDC 49.43%, Tegner 3, SF-36 35.38 PCS and 27.48 MCS and Lysholm 87/100. The mean elapsed time post meniscectomy was 20 months (range 2–51). All but one of the implants used were 9.5mm in width and sizes ranged 35–45mm.
At early follow up there have been no complications and background pain has improved in all 6. MIR imaging has shown that none have separated. Post operative follow up suggest improved outcome.
Conclusion: Though this is very early data, close scuritny of new treatment options is essential. So far the clinical outcome is favourable and we believe that CMI may be beneficial in reducing post menisectomy pain. Hopefully, in the future CMI may become a means of preventing post meniscectomy osteoarthrtitis.
Correspondence should be addressed to: BASK c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
