The indication for a transplant is damage to the meniscus, which cannot be repaired by suturing. Then it is necessary to remove the meniscus or part of it (meniscectomy). The absence of a meniscus or its partial loss negatively affects the biomechanics of the knee and significantly accelerates the wear of the articular cartilage. The aim of a meniscus transplant is to eliminate knee pain and protect the joint against premature degenerative changes (gonarthrosis) / link /. Meniscal transplants are usually performed in people aged up to 50-55 with good condition of the articular cartilage.

If it is necessary to remove the entire damaged meniscus, the graft is a meniscus obtained from a deceased donor from a tissue bank (the so-called allograft). When only part of the meniscus is damaged, in some cases it is possible to implant a synthetic implant. The implant is biodegradable and gradually overgrows with natural fibrous tissue, replacing the missing part of the meniscus. The procedure of implanting an allograft or a synthetic fragment of the meniscus is performed as part of a minimally invasive arthroscopy / link / procedure without the need to open the joint.

The duration of rehabilitation depends on the type of transplant used, the surgical technique and the level of activity to which the patient would like to return. Most patients are able to return to their daily work in the third month after the procedure. The return to sports training is usually possible 6-10 months after the surgery - depending on the specificity of the sports discipline practiced and the patient's involvement in the rehabilitation process.