Document Title: Rath-AJSM-Jul01.shtml
Article Title: Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Two- to Eight-Year Results
Authors: Ehud Rath, MD, John C. Richmond, MD, Walid Yassir, MD, Jeffreys D. Albright, MD and Fusun Gundogan, MD
Publication: American Journal of Sports Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Date: July 2001.
Volume 29, pages 410-414
Keywords: Meniscal transplantation, meniscal allografting, histology, cell biology, cellular biomechanics.

(Reference-denoting numbers appear in the same font and point size as the document text. As with all Knee Library documents, this article is provided in full-text form, complete with all figures and tables.)

Comments: This study shows that meniscal allografting is well worthwhile, even though it is technically demanding for the surgeon. Keep in mind that the menisci not only serve to absorb shock and distribute compressive and shear loadings over the vulnerable articular cartilage, but that they also contribute to overall knee stability and assist the synovial fluid in lubricating the joint. So, there are many reasons to have intact and fully functional menisci in the knee.

ABSTRACT

We evaluated 18 of 23 patients who had undergone cryopreserved meniscal allograft transplantation for compartmental pain after total meniscectomy 2 to 8 years (mean, 5.4) after the operation. The Short Form-36 scores revealed a decrease in pain with a significant improvement in function, although function remained limited. There was no significant decrease in joint space on 45° posteroanterior weightbearing radiographs through the duration of the study. Eight of 22 allograft menisci (36%) tore during the study period, necessitating 6 partial and 2 total meniscectomies. Two patients subsequently underwent reimplantation. Histologic examination of the removed tissue revealed reduced cellularity as compared with normal or torn native menisci. Four specimens also underwent detailed cytokine evaluation and demonstrated reduced cytokine expression compared with controls. While successful in alleviating compartmental pain that may be a late consequence of major meniscectomy, allograft menisci are repopulated with fewer cells than are present in normal or torn native menisci. These cells also demonstrate potentially reduced function, as measured by decreased growth factor production. This decreased biologic activity may be a factor that contributes to the high frequency of retears noted in this and prior studies.

To access the full text of this article, please click here.
There is no charge for viewing articles. However, a password is required.
If you do not already have a password, please e-mail Michael Frind at frind@execulink.com for one.
Prior to requesting a password, please make certain you have read the Site Terms of Use pertaining to this site.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Copyright American Journal of Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, July 2001. For details regarding copyright as it applies to this page, please visit the page entitled Site Terms of Use and Aspects of Copyright on this site.

This website was created for the benefit of the world's largest knee-injury community, Bob's ACL WWWBoard (also known as the Kneeboard), accessible to everyone at http://factotem.org.

Documents posted on this site serve merely as a virtual library, and are intended solely for purposes of making access to high-quality peer-reviewed medical-journal articles convenient for all users of the Kneeboard. Knee-injury patients are hereby encouraged to discuss this material with their respective medical teams.

Site Terms of Use and Aspects of Copyright

Printing Hints and Tips