About the Treatment Method
Protecting Cartilage and Saving the Joint
No. It cannot be applied especially to elderly patients whose calcification (cartilage melting) has already started. Meniscus transplant is performed on young and middle-aged patients who have had their meniscus removed but whose cartilage surfaces are "not completely worn out yet", in order to "prevent" the bones from rubbing against each other, causing early calcification (arthrosis), and leading to a knee replacement.
Because the meniscus tissue contains no blood vessels or cells (it consists only of tight collagen bonds), there is medically no risk of the body perceiving this tissue as foreign and "rejecting" it (allergy). Therefore, tissue matching (blood type, etc.) as in kidney transplants is not sought; it is sufficient that the donor's meniscus matches the patient's knee "dimensions".
This surgery provides the patient with a brand new and robust shock absorber system. Since it is done closed (arthroscopically), tissue healing starts quickly, but it takes time for the transplanted meniscus to fuse completely to the bone. With strong physical therapy, the patient can return to active sports life such as football or basketball within 6 to 9 months.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
