[Current aspects of meniscus transplantation]

Meniscus transplantation is a common procedure for some orthopaedic surgeons all over the world. Deep frozen as well as freeze-dried meniscal allografts were transplanted. Reconstruction of the knee ligaments after meniscectomy as well as surgical therapy of osteochondral defects of the knee joint after meniscectomy are some of the indications for meniscus transplantation. Our own long-term results of freeze-dried meniscus, however, showed a degeneration of the transplants after two years up to a meniscus regenerate. Deep frozen meniscus transplants may be contaminated with virus (e.g. Hepatitis, AIDS). Taking the infrapatellar fatty pad for meniscal replacement (as suggested by Lexer) we saw only a weak meniscus like tissue after the first year postoperatively. The tendon meniscus by means of autologous tendon for meniscus replacement may be an alternative procedure. Therefore, meniscus transplantation cannot be recommended at present as a standard procedure for reconstruction of the knee joint.