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Meniscal Transplant Orthopedic Surgeon in New York

The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion of cartilage in the knee joint. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are most likely referring to a torn meniscus. If a meniscus is badly damaged it cannot be repaired and may need to be surgically removed or require a meniscal transplant. Without the meniscus cushion, persistent knee pain and arthritis can develop. For many older patients with this condition, a knee joint replacement might be the best surgical option. But for active younger people, an alternative orthopedic surgery treatment is available, “meniscal transplant surgery” might be the best option. A meniscal transplant replaces the damaged meniscus with donor cartilage.

Please note: A doctor’s referral is NOT necessary from a General Practitioner to see our sports medicine or orthopedic surgery specialists for a consultation, 2nd opinion, or for treatment at our orthopedic practice – including surgery.

We offer full out of network insurance benefits (we will contact your insurance company and submit for you). You will enjoy the luxury and benefit of academic medicine in a top rated concierge environment without the hassle of long hospital waiting room times and paperwork. Most policies reimburse patients for most of the cost of surgery. Our surgical coordinator will help you with a quote.

Diagnostic tests, treatments and consultations can often be carried out on the same day. We offer true concierge medicine to all patients. We have the ability to see our patients immediately; same day, nights and weekend and offer emergency services.

The most common reason for performing a meniscal transplant is when a patient has previously lost a meniscal cartilage in their knee and have developed early degeneration, with pain in the knee and decreased function. Another potential reason for performing a meniscal transplant is to replace the shock absorber inside the knee and therefore help protect the knee and reduce the likelihood of the knee developing arthritis in the future.

Meniscal surgery is performed using an arthroscope, a small fiber-optic TV camera that is used to see and operate inside the joint. Only small incisions are needed during arthroscopy. The NYC orthopedic surgeon does not need to open your knee joint.

The criteria for meniscal transplant surgery includes:

  • Younger than 50 years old and physically active
  • Missing more than half of a meniscus as a result of previous surgery or injury, or a meniscus tear that cannot be repaired
  • Persistent pain
  • Knee with stable ligaments and normal alignment
  • Minimal knee arthritis / no arthritis of the knee
  • Are not clinically obese

Meniscus replacement is considered by the NYC orthopedic surgeons when:

  • The patient is healthy and wishes to remain active.
  • The patient understands the need for rehabilitation. The patient experiences pain located in the same area, from which a significant portion of meniscus has previously been removed no less than six months prior.
  • The knee alignment is normal with stable ligaments.
  • The knee does not have significant injury to the articular (gliding surface) cartilage or evidence of arthritis on x-rays.
Will I need to be hospitalized after surgery?

This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure when this is the only procedure performed on the patient. Patients may require hospitalization if this surgery is performed in conjunction with another procedures (ACL reconstruction, ACI implantation, proximal tibial osteotomy, etc).

How likely is it that this operation will relieve my pain?

This surgery is statistically 90% successful in providing pain relief.

Will I need crutches after meniscal surgery?

Following surgery many patients are placed into a knee brace for the first one to four weeks. Crutches are also necessary for one to four weeks. Most patients are allowed to move the knee within a few weeks after surgery to help prevent any stiffness. Post-operative case will be case by case specific and your orthopedic surgeon will thoroughly review with you what to expect.

Physical therapy will help you regain the motion and strength of your knee. Menical transplant therapy / rehab lasts between three and six months.

Our orthopedic surgeons pride ourselves with providing you highly personalized and comprehensive orthopedic care before,during, and after your Meniscal Transplant. Our philosophy of direct orthopedic surgeon to patient care at every visit has made us one of the most trusted and respected orthopedic surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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