Meniscal allograft transplantation is undertaken to improve pain
and function in patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee
compartment. While case series have shown improvements in patient
reported outcome measures (PROMs), its efficacy has not been rigorously
evaluated. This study aimed to compare PROMs in patients having
meniscal transplantation with those having personalized physiotherapy
at 12 months. A single-centre assessor-blinded, comprehensive cohort study,
incorporating a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed
on patients with a symptomatic compartment of the knee in which
a (sub)total meniscectomy had previously been performed. They were
randomized to be treated either with a meniscal allograft transplantation
or personalized physiotherapy, and stratified for malalignment of
the limb. They entered the preference groups if they were not willing
to be randomized. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS),
International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Lysholm
score and complications were collected at baseline and at four,
eight and 12 months following the interventions.Aims
Patients and Methods
The anatomy and microstructure of the menisci
allow the effective distribution of load across the knee. Meniscectomy
alters the biomechanical environment and is a potent risk factor
for osteoarthritis. Despite a trend towards meniscus-preserving
surgery, many tears are irreparable, and many repairs fail. Meniscal allograft transplantation has principally been carried
out for pain in patients who have had a meniscectomy. Numerous case
series have reported a significant improvement in patient-reported
outcomes after surgery, but randomised controlled trials have not
been undertaken. It is scientifically plausible that meniscal allograft transplantation
is protective of cartilage, but this has not been established clinically
to date. Cite this article:
