Twenty-six years of meniscal allograft transplantation: is it still experimental? A meta-analysis of 44 trials

Abstract

IV.

Arthroscopic Meniscal Allograft Transplantation with Soft Tissue Fixation Through Bone Tunnels

“…7 A meta-analysis and clinical studies have shown comparable outcomes between the 2 different fixation techniques. 2,4,8 Although both techniques are viable options for meniscal allograft fixation, the technique described in this report provides a reliable method for surgeons to undertake meniscal transplantation.…”

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Where are we Standing?

“…Overall, clinical and functional outcomes are satisfactory, and MAT is currently considered a safe, reliable and justified procedure in selected patients [6,7,9,12,13]. During the first 5 years after MAT, physicians can expect a mean Lysholm score of 80 points (range 60-100), with still values between 60 and 80 points at a follow-up between 10 and 20 years [7]. Also, several studies have reported a significant improvement in postoperative values of the Lysholm score compared to preoperative values [14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…Thus, concomitant focal high-grade chodral osteochondral defects in the affected compartment, unacceptable axial malalignment or knee instability have to be corrected before or during MAT. Therefore, concomitant procedures such as cartilage repair, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, or tibial/femoral osteotomy can be also performed in the same operation [7][8][9]. Although some studies have reported acceptable results with MAT in patients with advanced cartilage defects (grades III and IV of the Outerbridge grading system) in terms of graft survival, pain relief, and function improvement [10,11], it is advisable to perform the MAT before these changes occur [9].…”

“…Especially for total or subtotal meniscectomies, the chance of developing post-meniscectomy syndrome is high. Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) emerged in mid-80's as a potential solution to restore knee biomechanics, improve post-meniscectomy symptoms and, possibly, prevent or delay the onset of knee osteoarthritis [7]. This article is aimed to report an up-to-date short review of the literature regarding current indications and contraindications, clinical outcomes, complications and controversial issues (allograft preservation and sizing, allograft fixation, MAT in associated procedures, and MAT in the prevention of osteoarthritis).…”

Meniscus repair and regeneration: review on current methods and research potential

“…A recently published meta-analysis, analysing 44 published clinical trials with at least 6 months follow-up in the last 26 years, concluded that this procedure should not be considered experimental surgery anymore, but, instead, it is a safe and effective technique allowing patients to resume high levels of activity and work, at least, as a longterm ''bridging'' procedure before arthroplasty (Elattar et al, 2011). Actually, a number of orthopaedic surgeons have reported clinical and radiological mid-term results (Kim et al, 2012;Lee and Caborn, 2012).…”