Meniscal Transplantation

Meniscal transplantation is a joint-preserving procedure designed for younger, active patients who have lost a significant portion of their meniscus and now suffer from pain, swelling and reduced function in the knee.

As a medical tourism agency, Pax Medicus coordinates specialist consultations, imaging, surgery and rehabilitation for patients seeking meniscus transplant procedures in partner orthopaedic centres.

Book A Consultation

Back to Knee Joint Surgeries

What are the menisci?

The menisci are two crescent-shaped cartilage structures that sit between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). They help the rounded surface of the femur fit the flatter surface of the tibia and are essential for a healthy, well-functioning knee joint.

Act as shock absorbers to reduce pressure on the joint surfaces.
Stabilise the knee during movement and rotation.
Help distribute joint fluid to nourish cartilage.
Limit uncontrolled movements that could damage the joint.
The medial meniscus is firmly attached to the joint capsule, while the lateral meniscus is more mobile.

Who Is Meniscus Transplantation For?

Meniscal transplantation is not for everyone. It is aimed at carefully selected patients who have significant meniscal loss but want to preserve their natural knee joint for as long as possible.

Indications

History of significant meniscal injury.
Advanced damage where repair is not possible.
Previous removal of a large part of the meniscus.
Persistent pain and swelling due to meniscal deficiency.

Who is typically eligible?

Usually under 50 years of age.
No advanced osteoarthritis in the knee.
Cartilage surfaces largely preserved.
Healthy or near-healthy body weight.
Symptoms clearly related to loss of meniscus rather than global joint damage.

Patients with advanced osteoarthritis or widespread cartilage damage are usually not suitable for meniscus transplantation and may require other treatment options.

Types of Meniscus Transplants

There are two main approaches to replacing a damaged or missing meniscus: donor (allograft) transplantation and synthetic meniscus implants.

Allograft meniscus transplant

Uses a meniscus obtained from a deceased donor.
Graft is prepared, frozen and stored in a certified Tissue Bank.
Preoperative X-ray, CT or MRI is used to match size and shape to the patient’s knee.
Suitable when a large part or the entire meniscus has been removed.

Synthetic meniscus implant

Only possible if the peripheral rim and anchorage of the original meniscus are still intact.
Implant is made from type I collagen, typically derived from bovine Achilles tendon.
Acts as a scaffold that allows the patient’s own cells to grow into it.
Over time, the implant is gradually replaced by new tissue resembling a natural meniscus.

How Is Meniscus Transplantation Performed?

Closing-wedge osteotomy

Lateral incision above the tibial tuberosity.
A wedge of bone is removed from the tibia.
Bone ends are brought together and fixed with a plate.
Provides predictable, rapid bone healing
Slight shortening of the tibia is possible.

Opening-wedge osteotomy

Medial approach just below the joint line.
The tibia is cut and gradually opened to create a gap.
Allows fine-tuning of alignment during surgery.
Stabilised with a titanium plate and screws.
The gap may be left unfilled or packed with bone graft, often taken from the patient.

As with any surgery, high tibial osteotomy carries risks. Possible complications include over- or under-correction, delayed bone healing, infection and thrombosis. Following your surgeon’s instructions, including thromboprophylaxis, is essential to minimise these risks.

Benefits of Meniscus Transplantation

When performed in the right patient and combined with dedicated rehabilitation, meniscus transplantation can significantly improve quality of life.

Reduction or resolution of chronic knee pain.
Improved cushioning and shock absorption in the joint.
Better joint stability and confidence in movement.
More even load distribution across the knee, reducing local overloads.
Important preventive effect against early osteoarthritis by protecting cartilage from accelerated wear.
Potential to return to normal daily activities and, in many cases, sports with appropriate supervision.

Meniscus transplantation is a specialised procedure. A thorough assessment by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon is essential to determine if it is the right option for your knee.

Recovery After a Meniscus Transplant

Recovery aims to protect the new meniscus while gradually restoring movement, strength and function. Strict adherence to medical and physiotherapy guidance is essential.

Early phase

No weight-bearing on the operated leg initially.
Crutches are used for support.
A knee brace is usually worn for 1.5–2 months to limit movement and protect the graft.
Dressings are changed every few days as instructed.
Stitches are removed at around 2 weeks after surgery.

Rehabilitation and follow-up

Physiotherapy typically starts the day after surgery.
Exercises focus on restoring knee mobility, improving circulation and strengthening muscles.
Progress is monitored with clinical examinations and, if needed, imaging.
Hospital stay is usually one day, unless extended observation is needed.

Return to activity

Daily activities are reintroduced gradually under specialist guidance.
Return to sports is usually possible but not earlier than 8 months after surgery.
A gradual, structured return-to-sport plan helps protect the transplant and joint cartilage.

The adaptation period of the transplanted meniscus is critical. Following your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s instructions carefully is key to a successful, long-term outcome.

Considering Meniscus Transplantation?

If you have ongoing knee pain after meniscus removal or severe meniscal damage, a specialist opinion can help you understand whether transplantation is suitable and what outcomes you might expect.

Back to Knee Joint Surgeries

Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

Simply fill in the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.