Meniscal Transplant Surgery
There are circumstances when replacing a damaged meniscus can be the best solution to relieve knee pain and protect the joint. The meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage cushion in the knee – there are two within each knee joint on the inside and outside of the knee. When one of these cushions is torn or damaged, it can cause pain and knee dysfunction. One possible treatment option is meniscal transplant surgery, available through Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center in Miami, FL.
When the meniscus is damaged due to injury or surgery, patients are prone to pain and knee dysfunction. A torn meniscus can cause friction in the joint and lead to early degeneration or arthritis within the knee. Meniscal transplant surgery may be recommended if the patient meets the qualifications, which may include:
- Patient is under 50 years of age and is not clinically obese
- Patient is experiencing chronic knee pain
- Patient is physically active
- The knee joint is otherwise healthy and stable
- Missing at least half the meniscus
Dr. Glashow and his orthopedic team can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment for meniscal tears and injuries. Some patients with a meniscal tear may qualify for a meniscal repair or transplant surgery.
Knee Cartilage Transplant
Meniscal tissue is a type of cartilage that cushions between the femur and tibia. Meniscal transplant surgery uses donor cartilage to replace a damaged meniscus. The donor meniscus is harvested from a cadaver to replace the damaged or missing meniscus. The surgery is performed arthroscopically through tiny incisions, removing any remaining meniscal material and suturing or securing the donor meniscus in place.
Meniscal transplant surgery has a high success rate for relieving knee pain and preventing deterioration in younger patients with meniscus damage or loss. If you have knee pain caused by loss of meniscal material in the knee joint, meniscal transplant surgery may be an option. To learn more about restoring the cartilage in the knee, contact our team at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center. Call our office in the Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL, area to schedule your appointment.
