Meniscal allograft transplantation: a review of indications, techniques, and outcomes

When compared to meniscectomy, meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) may provide superior long-term benefits to young, active patient populations who have lost meniscal function because of irreparable damage, such as, an avascular tear, previous repair failure, and unsalvageable tear types. Positive outcomes are most likely to be achieved when meniscus allograft transplantation is performed in appropriately selected patients. Indications include patients younger than 50 years of age, with a history of subtotal or total meniscectomy without concomitant articular cartilage defects, uncorrectable joint malalignment, and/or knee instability. Outcomes for meniscal allograft transplantation are promising with studies reporting long-term graft survivorship as high as 89% at 10 years and significant improvements in multiple patient reported outcome measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.