DNA analysis of a transplanted cryopreserved meniscal allograft

Meniscal transplantation is frequently performed in young patients with a single meniscal-deficient compartment as a result of previous total meniscectomy. Indications, operative techniques, and preservation of meniscal allografts have been studied extensively. In this study we compared the DNA profile of a meniscal allograft with that of the human recipient 1 year after transplantation. Applying techniques routinely used in forensic analysis, we were able to show that the DNA profile of the meniscal allograft was 95% identical to that of the human recipient. These findings indicate that 1 year after transplantation the meniscal allograft is nearly completely repopulated by host cells.