RESEARCH & ARTICLES

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in the Adolescent Population

Purpose: Traditionally, meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has been thought to be contraindicated in skeletally immature patients. This reports the results of MAT performed in an active adolescent population with a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

Summary:

• 32 patients with a mean age of 15.4 years underwent a MAT procedure (84% lateral, 16% medial)
• 48% of patients underwent a concomitant procedure – mainly for chondral defects
• Significant improvements witnessed in KOOS, Lysholm, IKDC subjective, WOMAC pain and function as well as SF-12 scores post-operatively
• The only functional outcome score that deteriorated over time was the IKDC subjective which was lower at final follow-up than at 2-year follow-up
• Meniscal reoperation rate was low at 6% and nearly identical to the 6.3% previously reported in adults
• After MAT, 7 patients underwent 8 further procedures to address chondral disease
• No revision MAT procedures were required and no growth complications were reported

Take Away: With no incidence of revision MAT, growth complications or perioperative complications MAT is a viable option for adolescents with meniscal insufficiency. The authors are confident that the increased activity level in adolescents in not a contraindication to MAT.

Authors: Jonathan C. Riboh, MD, Annemarie K. Tilton, BS, Gregory L. Cvetanovich, MD, Kirk A. Campbell, MD and Brian J. Cole, MD, MBA

Published: "Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in the Adolescent Population". Arthroscopy. 2016 Jun;32(6):1133-1140.

Institution: Division of Sports Medicine, Rush University Medical Center

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