Meniscal allograft transplant in a 16-year-old male soccer player: A case report

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a relatively new procedure that has gained popularity in the last couple of decades as a possible alternative to a meniscectomy to provide significant pain relief, improve function, and prevent the early onset of degenerative joint disease (DJD). As of present, evidence is limited and conflicting on the success of such procedures. In this case, a 16-year old male athlete underwent numerous surgical procedures to correct a left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with associated medial and lateral meniscal damage that occurred as a result of a non-contact mechanism of injury. Following multiple procedures, including repair of both menisci and follow-up partial meniscectomy of the lateral meniscus, the patient continued to experience symptoms on the left lateral knee, making him a candidate for MAT. This case is used to highlight what a MAT is, what makes someone a candidate for this type of procedure, the current evidence surrounding the success of this intervention, and some rehabilitation considerations following surgery. The role of chiropractors and primary clinicians is to ensure that young athletes undergo early intervention to offset any degenerative changes that would be associated with sustained meniscal lesions.