Meniscal Substitution With a Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft

The menisci play a critical role in load transmission and shock absorption and serve as important secondary stabilizers of the knee. Unfortunately, meniscal repair is not always feasible, and resection may be required. Meniscal allograft transplantation is an established method of meniscal substitution; however, its use remains limited by graft sizing challenges, high costs, and restricted availability. The semitendinosus tendon has the capacity to remodel and revascularize within the intra-articular environment. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the surgical technique for meniscal substitution using a semitendinosus tendon autograft.