The meniscal deficient knee often exists in the setting of associated pathology including instability, malalignment and chondral injury. Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is established to be a reliable option in restoring function and treating symptoms. The aim of this study was to establish the role of MAT as part of a staged approach to treatment of the previously menisectomised knee. This prospective study included all patients that underwent arthroscopic MAT at our institution between 2010 to 2017. Fresh frozen allograft was utilised using a soft tissue fixation technique. Further data was collected for index surgical procedures before and after MAT. Data for pre and post-operative Knee Injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS), Tegner scores, graft survival, reoperation rates, patient satisfaction and MRI extrusion measurements were collected and details of any further surgical intervention and / or complications also documented.Background
Methods
the insertion of two slips from EDQP into digit five (84%); the presence of both slips from EDQP lying in a non-septate tunnel separate to that from the EDC (100%); the presence of a single slip from EDC of the ring finger inserting radial to EDQP into digit five (94%); the constant presence of an oblique juncturae tendinum between EDC middle finger and EDC ring finger (100%); and the universal absence of a juncturae tendinum to either slips of EDQP. The most common relevant variations included: a juncturae tendinum between EDC ring and EDC little finger (39%); and an extra slip from EDQP inserting into ring finger (10%). Whereas variations are not uncommon (Von Schroeder &
Botte, 2001), it is the more constant features (presence or absence) which are of surgical relevance and which our study emphasises.