RESEARCH & ARTICLES

Biomechanical Analysis of Posterior Segmental Medial Meniscal Transplantation in a Human Cadaveric Model

Purpose: To compare the biomechanical effects of segmental medial meniscus transplantation to both the native meniscus and full meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT).

Summary: 

  • Segmental medial meniscus deficiency resulted in increased meniscal extrusion and elevated mean joint pressure.
  • Both segmental and full transplantation restored extrusion to near-normal levels.
  • Full meniscus allograft transplantation demonstrated superior reduction in peak pressure at flexion angles greater than 60°, while both segmental and full transplantation restored peak pressure to intact levels at 30° of flexion.


JRF Takeaways: MAT effectively restored both contact pressure and meniscal extrusion to near-native levels. Segmental meniscus transplantation presents a less invasive alternative that may be suitable in certain cases. Further studies are required to further elicit ideal candidates for segmental meniscus transplantation.

Click here for complete abstract. 

Authors: Mark E. Cinque, MD, Wyatt H. Buchalter, BS, Justin F.M. Hollenbeck, MS, Jonathan D. Haskel, MD, Bradley M. Kruckeberg, MD, Matthew T. Provencher, MD, MBA, CAPT (Ret.), Jonathen A. Godin, MD, MBA

Published: The American Journal of Sports Medicine 

Institution: Department of BioMedical Engineering, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado, USA.