Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Distal Femoral Osteotomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanical engineering

Background:

• Meniscal allograft transplantation improves outcomes in patients with meniscal deficiency.
• Valgus malalignment can cause meniscal and chondral damage, necessitating surgical correction to preserve joint health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of lateral meniscal allograft transplantation combined with distal femoral opening wedge osteotomy.
• To address symptomatic lateral meniscal insufficiency in the presence of knee valgus deformity.

Main Methods:

• Surgical technique involves removing the residual lateral meniscus, implanting a meniscal allograft, and performing a distal femoral opening wedge osteotomy.
• Osteotomy is secured with a locking plate and screws, with intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance.

Main Results:

• The procedure effectively corrects deformity and alleviates knee pain.
• Patients can often return to sports activities post-rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Lateral meniscal allograft transplantation with distal femoral osteotomy is an effective treatment for symptomatic lateral meniscal insufficiency and valgus deformity in appropriate patients.
• This combined approach offers a solution for knee instability and pain without significant osteoarthritis.