Editorial Commentary: Knee Meniscal Transplant Positive Outcomes at 2 Years May Be Maintained at 10 Years; However, Loss to Follow-up Is High, and Concomitant Procedures May Play a Role.

Abstract

Meniscal allograft transplants provide effective pain relief for patients with a nonfunctional meniscus, treatable or minimal ipsilateral compartment osteoarthritis, proper or correctable alignment, and a stable or stabilizable knee. In a significant number of cases (50%-70%), cartilage resurfacing, realignment osteotomy, and/or ligament reconstruction (stabilization) is performed. Because concomitant injuries and procedures are very common in meniscal transplant recipients, and loss to long-term follow-up may be high, it remains unknown whether the positive outcome relates to the allograft, the concomitant procedure, or both.