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Meniscal allograft transplantation: a systematic review
Federica Rosso1, Salvatore Bisicchia2, Davide Edoardo Bonasia3
1University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 15, 2014
Summary
Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) shows good short-term clinical results for knee function. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its chondroprotective effects and compare surgical techniques.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) addresses compartmental overload post-meniscectomy.
- Despite extensive research, controversies persist regarding MAT efficacy and techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the quality of existing MAT studies.
- Evaluate indications, preservation, sizing, and fixation methods for MAT.
- Analyze clinical and radiographic outcomes and MAT's role in osteoarthritis prevention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed clinical studies (evidence levels 1-4).
- Inclusion criteria: English language, minimum 12-month follow-up, ≥10 patients, ≥80% follow-up rate.
- Analysis of graft types, sizing methods (radiography), and fixation techniques.
Main Results:
- 55 studies met criteria; average Coleman score 49.73.
- Agreed indications: joint line pain, young patients, no severe cartilage damage, stable knee.
- Various graft types and fixation methods used; no technique superiority proven.
- All studies reported preoperative clinical improvement; chondroprotective effect remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- MAT demonstrates favorable short- to midterm clinical outcomes and function.
- Acceptable complication and failure rates observed.
- Higher quality research is required to clarify MAT's chondroprotective potential and compare surgical techniques.
