Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- to intermediate-term results of meniscal allograft transplantation after total meniscectomy of torn discoid lateral menisci, which are usually wider and thicker than normal lateral menisci.
Methods: Between 1996 and 2003, 14 meniscal allografts were implanted in 14 patients with a previous total or near-total resection of torn discoid lateral menisci. All patients had a minimum of 21 months of follow-up, with a mean of 58 months. Osteochondritis dissecans was present in 3 cases, and osteochondral autograft transfer was performed in those cases. All patients were evaluated with the modified Lysholm scoring system. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 13 cases, and second-look arthroscopy was performed in 6.
Results: Symptoms improved in all cases, and the modified Lysholm score increased on average from 71.4 preoperatively to 91.4 postoperatively. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed secure integration of meniscal allograft in general. The 6 second-look arthroscopies revealed 4 normal menisci, 1 meniscus with anterior horn shrinkage, and 1 meniscus with a tear at the posterior horn of the allograft.
Conclusions: The short- to intermediate-term results confirmed noteworthy clinical improvements and consistent objective findings. Meniscal allograft transplantation after total meniscectomy of torn discoid lateral menisci could be a reasonable treatment option in symptomatic patients. Nevertheless, long-term observation would be required to evaluate the longevity of these results.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.