What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your femur (thighbone) and your tibia (shinbone). A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. In the younger population, meniscus tears are typically the result of traumatic sports injuries, by twisting on a slightly flexed knee. In the older adult, a meniscus tear may be due to age-related degeneration of the meniscus or from wear-and-tear over time.
What factors determine the type of surgery I should have?
- Size of the tear
- Location of the tear
- Your age
- Activity level
- Related injuries
How do I know if I need a meniscal transplantation?
Meniscus transplants are typically considered in young, active patients who have previously had most of their meniscus removed, and develop knee pain without degenerative changes. For meniscal tears that are extensive and are not amenable to repair, meniscal transplantation may be the best possible option if the patient has yet to develop of osteoarthritis.
What happens during meniscal transplant surgery?
Dr. Potts performs meniscal transplants utilizing an arthroscopic-assisted approach. The procedure involves the transplantation of a donor meniscus graft that is matched specifically to the specific side and size of the recipient’s damaged meniscus. The surgical implantation is done through a small incision using arthroscopic methods, and the graft is then secured through circumferential sutures. It is important to note that all allograft tissue used by Dr. Potts must undergo strict harvest and processing guidelines to ensure the smallest risk of disease transmission.
Other treatment options for meniscus tears include partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair.
