scholarly journals Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: A Review of the Current Literature

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 361-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
TB Crook ◽  
A Ardolino ◽  
LAP Williams ◽  
IW Barlow

INTRODUCTION Patients who have previously undergone meniscectomy are known to potentially suffer subsequent knee problems including degenerative changes. Meniscal transplantation has been proposed as a possble solution to these problems. This article aims to review the current literature to consolidate the evidence surrounding the use of human meniscal allograft transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three databases (PubMed, Embase and Medline) were searched to find English language articles pertaining to meniscal allograft transplantation. Each article was critiqued by two authors using a structured appraisal tool, and stratified according to the level of evidence. RESULTS No Level I or II studies were identified. Many studies had small study groups with limited follow-up and patient selection and description of patient factors varied greatly. This made comparing data difficult. There were also very few papers concentrating on isolated meniscal transplantation. Four types of graft are used – fresh, fresh-frozen, cryopreserved and freeze-dried (lyophilised) graft. Cryopreserved and fresh-frozen allografts are deemed most suitable. Most authors advocate the use of non-irradiated grafts from screened donors to reduce transmission of infection. Best results occur when using bony anchors to fix the graft, although this requires accurate graft positioning. Patients have an improved outcome if they have less severe degenerative changes within the knee prior to transplantation. CONCLUSIONS No statistically significant studies looking at isolated meniscal transplantations have been found. The evidence suggests that meniscal allograft transplantation provides improvement of pain and function in the short and intermediate term. The effect on future joint degeneration is still unknown. The ideal patient group includes patients less than 40 years of age with knee pain, proven meniscal injury and a normally aligned, stable joint without severe degenerative changes.

Author(s):  
Daniele Fanelli ◽  
Michele Mercurio ◽  
Giorgio Gasparini ◽  
Olimpio Galasso

AbstractThis systematic review investigates factors associated with outcomes after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). The PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register databases were used to search relevant articles in April 2018. Studies that evaluated at least one association between a factor and outcomes were extracted. Of 3,381 titles, 52 studies were finally analyzed. Data about predictors, patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs), and failure rates were extracted for quantitative and qualitative analysis. A total of 3,382 patients and 3,460 transplants were identified. Thirty different predictors were reported in the current MAT literature, 18 of which by at least two studies. Subgroup analysis showed that lateral MAT had higher postoperative values than medial MAT in Lysholm's (p = 0.0102) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC; p = 0.0056) scores. Soft tissue fixation showed higher postoperative IKDC scores than bone fixation (p = 0.0008). Fresh frozen allografts had higher Lysholm's scores (p < 0.0001) and showed significantly lower failure rates (p < 0.0001) than cryopreserved allografts. Age (p < 0.015, β = 0.80), sex (p < 0.034, β  =  − 8.52), and body mass index (BMI; p < 0.014, β = −4.87) demonstrated an association with PROMs in the regression model. Qualitative analysis found moderate evidence that a higher number of previous procedures in the same knee are an independent predictor of transplant failure. Conflicting evidence was found with regard to chondral damage, time from meniscectomy, smoke, sport level, worker's compensation status, and preoperative Lysholm's score as predictors of outcomes. Our review suggests that the ideal candidate to undergo MAT may be a young male of normal weight with no previous knee surgeries, treated with a lateral isolated procedure. However, MAT is associated with good outcomes in the majority of patients with many of the PROMs requiring further study to determine their direct effects on long-term outcomes. This study is a systematic review and reflects level of evidence IV.


Cartilage ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-204
Author(s):  
Zaira S. Chaudhry ◽  
Brianna Fram ◽  
R. Frank Henn ◽  
Seth L. Sherman ◽  
Sommer Hammoud

Objective To identify the 50 most-cited articles in meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) research and analyze their characteristics. Design In September 2017, the Scopus database was queried to identify the 50 most-cited articles in MAT research. Variables analyzed include number of citations, publication year, journal, institution, country of origin, article type, study design, and level of evidence. Citation density was calculated for each article. The correlation between citation density and publication year and the correlation between level of evidence and number of citations, citation density, and publication year were computed. Results The 50 most-cited articles were published in 12 journals between 1986 and 2011. The number of citations ranged from 59 to 290 (109.3 ± 48.6). Citation density ranged from 2.7 to 17.6 citations per year (7.0 ± 3.3). There was a positive correlation between citation density and publication year ( r = +0.489, P < 0.001). Overall, 56% of the articles were clinical and 44% were basic science. Of the 28 clinical articles, 61% were level IV or V evidence. Level of evidence was not significantly correlated with number of citations ( r = −0.059, P = 0.766), citation density ( r = +0.030, P = 0.880), or publication year ( r = −0.0009, P = 0.996). Conclusion This analysis provides the orthopedic community with a readily accessible list of the classic citations in MAT research and provides insight into the historical development of this procedure. Although there was a moderate positive correlation between citation density and publication year, articles with stronger levels of evidence were not more frequently cited despite the increasing trend toward evidence-based practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Min Lee ◽  
Seong-Il Bin ◽  
Jong-Min Kim ◽  
Bum-Sik Lee ◽  
Chang-Rack Lee ◽  
...  

Background: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a widely performed surgical technique used to reconstruct meniscal deficiencies after meniscectomy. However, the long-term effects of extrusion on clinical and radiologic outcomes are unclear. Hypothesis: In long-term follow-up, extrusion after MAT would show poorer outcomes than nonextrusion and would lead to faster progression of arthritic changes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Forty-five MAT cases (lateral, n = 36; medial meniscal, n = 9) with a minimum 8-year follow-up period were selected. The mean follow-up period was 12.3 years (range, 8.0-19.6 years). Data were collected on patients’ sex, age, surgical side, and mechanical axis deviation. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: extrusion (≥3 mm) and nonextrusion (<3 mm). Categories were based on extrusion length measured via magnetic resonance imaging taken 1 year after surgery. Joint space width (JSW) on the affected and contralateral sides was measured on bilateral weightbearing posterior-anterior radiographs at 45° of flexion at 3 time points (preoperative, 4-6 years postoperative, and >8 years postoperative). Differences of the measured and relative JSW values between the groups and differences at different time points were analyzed. The Lysholm score was used to evaluate clinical function. Results: Mean ± SD extrusion was 3.07 ± 0.82 mm. The extrusion and nonextrusion groups were composed of 19 (42.2%) and 26 (57.8%) patients, respectively. Analysis of JSW showed a difference in relative JSW between the groups at >8 years ( P = .017). At the point of transition from 4 to 6 years to >8 years, the differences in absolute JSW values were −1.25 ± 0.78 mm (extrusion group) and −0.58 ± 0.66 mm (nonextrusion group; P < .001). Relative JSW values also differed between groups (extrusion group, −0.22 ± 0.13; nonextrusion group, −0.04 ± 0.18; P < .001). No differences were observed in the Lysholm scores between the groups at each time point. Conclusion: Long-term follow-up after MAT revealed a greater decrease in JSW in the extrusion group than in the nonextrusion group. However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110364
Author(s):  
Daniel B. Haber ◽  
Brenton W. Douglass ◽  
Justin W. Arner ◽  
Jon W. Miles ◽  
Liam A. Peebles ◽  
...  

Background: Meniscal deficiency has been reported to increase contact pressures in the affected tibiofemoral joint, possibly leading to degenerative changes. Current surgical options include meniscal allograft transplantation and insertion of segmental meniscal scaffolds. Little is known about segmental meniscal allograft transplantation. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of segmental medial meniscal allograft transplantation in the setting of partial medial meniscectomy in restoring native knee loading characteristics. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees underwent central midbody medial meniscectomy and subsequent segmental medial meniscal allograft transplantation. Knees were loaded in a dynamic tensile testing machine to 1000 N for 20 seconds at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. Four conditions were tested: (1) intact medial meniscus, (2) deficient medial meniscus, (3) segmental medial meniscal transplant fixed with 7 meniscocapsular sutures, and (4) segmental medial meniscal transplant fixed with 7 meniscocapsular sutures and 1 suture fixed through 2 bone tunnels. Submeniscal medial and lateral pressure-mapping sensors assessed mean contact pressure, peak contact pressure, mean contact area, and pressure mapping. Two-factor random-intercepts linear mixed effects models compared pressure and contact area measurements among experimental conditions. Results: The meniscal-deficient state demonstrated a significantly higher mean contact pressure than all other testing conditions (mean difference, ≥0.35 MPa; P < .001 for all comparisons) and a significantly smaller total contact area as compared with all other testing conditions (mean difference, ≤140 mm2; P < .001 for all comparisons). There were no significant differences in mean contact pressure or total contact area among the intact, transplant, or transplant-with-tunnel groups or in any outcome measure across all comparisons in the lateral compartment. No significant differences existed in center of pressure and relative pressure distribution across testing conditions. Conclusion: Segmental medial meniscal allograft transplantation restored the medial compartment mean contact pressure and mean contact area to values measured in the intact medial compartment. Clinical Relevance: Segmental medial meniscal transplantation may provide an alternative to full meniscal transplantation by addressing only the deficient portion of the meniscus with transplanted tissue. Additional work is required to validate long-term fixation strength and biologic integration.


2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (1) ◽  
pp. 56-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Smith ◽  
N. Parsons ◽  
D. Wright ◽  
C. Hutchinson ◽  
A. Metcalfe ◽  
...  

Aims 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. Patients and Methods 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. Results A total of 36 patients entered the study; 21 were randomized and 15 chose their treatments. Their mean age was 28 years (range 17 to 46). The outcomes were similar in the randomized and preference groups, allowing pooling of data. At 12 months, the KOOS4 composite score (mean difference 12, p = 0.03) and KOOS subscales of pain (mean difference 15, p = 0.02) and activities of daily living (mean difference 18, p = 0.005) were significantly superior in the meniscal transplantation group. Other PROMs also favoured this group without reaching statistical significance. There were five complications in the meniscal transplantation and one in the physiotherapy groups. Conclusion This is the first study to compare meniscal allograft transplantation to non-operative treatment. The results provide the best quality evidence to date of the symptomatic benefits of meniscal allograft transplantation in the short term, but a multicentre RCT is required to investigate this question further. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:56–63.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 693-699
Author(s):  
Sang-Min Lee ◽  
Seong-Il Bin ◽  
Jong-Min Kim ◽  
Bum-Sik Lee ◽  
Kuen Tak Suh ◽  
...  

Background: Several studies have reported further reduction in joint space width (JSW) after meniscal allograft transplantation; some contributing postoperative factors are known, although preoperative factors remain unclear. This study is the first to analyze the preoperative risk factors for reduced JSW in patients after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (LMAT). Hypothesis: Poor cartilage status and high preoperative body mass index (BMI) influence the postoperative progression of joint space narrowing. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively studied 79 patients after LMAT who were observed for at least 5 years. JSWs on weightbearing flexion posteroanterior radiographs were measured preoperatively and at the 5-year mark. Differences in JSW were divided into more progression and less progression groups. The modified Outerbridge cartilage grades based on magnetic resonance imaging assessments were compared at subtotal/total meniscectomy and at LMAT to determine the difference between time points. Preoperative between-group differences in sex, age, surgical side, follow-up period, weight, height, BMI, and meniscal deficiency period were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score. Data were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: Radiographically, the overall change in JSW from preoperative to follow-up was 0.58 mm (range, –0.23 to 1.83 mm). Reductions in JSW in the more progression and less progression groups were 0.94 ± 0.32 and 0.22 ± 0.21 mm (mean ± SD), respectively. There was no difference in cartilage status between the groups at meniscectomy or LMAT; however, changes between time points were significant on the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau. Clinically, there were significant differences in weight, BMI, and meniscal deficiency period between the 2 groups. Postoperative Lysholm scores increased as compared with the preoperative scores, but there was no difference among the postoperative time points. In the univariate logistic regression risk analysis, weight, BMI, meniscal deficiency period, and the difference in cartilage status between time points for the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau were identified as significant. In the subsequent multivariate logistic regression, BMI (odds ratio, 1.45; P = .016) and meniscal deficiency period (odds ratio, 1.21; P = .037) were the statistically significant factors. Conclusion: BMI and meniscal deficiency period were preoperative risk factors for JSW narrowing after LMAT. This suggests that the meniscal deficiency period from meniscectomy to LMAT may be shortened and that proper weight management can lead to successful LMAT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0004
Author(s):  
Haley E. Smith ◽  
Madeline M. Lyons ◽  
Neeraj M. Patel

Background: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is an option to slow the progression of degenerative disease in the setting of substantial meniscal deficiency. This may be especially important in children and adolescents, but there is little literature on MAT in this population. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of MAT in the pediatric population, with specific attention to regional and demographic trends. Methods: The Pediatric Health Information System, a national database consisting of 49 children’s hospitals, was queried for all patients undergoing MAT between 2011 and 2018. Demographic information was collected for each subject as well as data regarding previous and subsequent surgeries. The database was also queried for all meniscus surgeries (including repairs and meniscectomies) performed during the study period. Demographic and geographic data from this control group were compared to that of children undergoing MAT. Univariate analysis was followed by purposeful entry multivariate regression to adjust for confounding factors. Results: A total of 27,168 meniscus surgeries were performed in 47 hospitals, with MAT performed 67 times in 17 hospitals. Twelve patients (18%) underwent a subsequent procedure after transplantation. In multivariate analysis, each year of increasing age resulted in 1.1 times higher odds of having undergone MAT rather than repair or meniscectomy (95% CI 1.03-1.1, p=0.002). Patients that underwent transplantation had 2.0 times higher odds of being female (95% CI 1.2-3.3, p=0.01) and 2.0 times higher odds of being commercially insured (95% CI 1.1-3.6, p=0.02). MAT was performed most frequently in the Northeast (4.9/1000 meniscus surgeries) and least often in the South (1.1/1000 meniscus surgeries, p<0.001). Furthermore, transplantation was more likely to be performed in larger cities. The median pediatric population of cities in which MAT was performed was 983,268 (range 157,253-3,138,870) compared to 662,290 (range 4,420-4,311,500) in cities where it was not (p=0.04). Conclusion: In the United States, patients that underwent MAT were older, more likely to be female, and have commercial insurance than those undergoing meniscus repair or meniscectomy. MAT was only done in 17/47 children’s hospitals that perform meniscus surgery and was most frequently performed in the Northeast and in larger cities. These trends highlight the need for further research, especially regarding differences along the lines of sex and insurance status.


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