Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 1226-2102
eISSN 2005-8918
    J Korean Orthop Assoc. 2007 Feb;42(1):77-83. Korean.
    Published online Feb 28, 2007.
    https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.1.77
    Copyright © 2007 The Korean Orthopaedic Association
    Original Article

    Clinical Evaluation using MRI and Arthroscopy after Meniscal Transplantation

    Seung Hyun Cho, M.D. and Jin Goo Kim, M.D.
      • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea.
    • Address reprint requests to Jin Goo Kim, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, 85, Jeo-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel: +82.2-2270-0028, Fax: +82.2-2270-0023, Email: borami107@hanmail.net

    Abstract

    Purpose

    To evaluate the status of transplanted menisci using MRI and arthroscopy.

    Materials and Methods

    Between March 1998 and October 2004, twenty three patients underwent a meniscal transplant at our institution. Twenty-one out of 23 patients were available for follow-up and were evaluated an average of 44 months (range, 19 to 87 months). Four allografts were medial and 17 were lateral. There were 17 men and 4 women with ages ranging from 16 to 47 years (mean, 29.6 years). The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. MRI and arthroscopic examinations were performed in 18 and 11 patients respectively.

    Results

    The average Lysholm score improved from 60.6 to 85.7, and that of the IKDC subjective score and modified HSS score (knee score/functional score) was 79.5 and 88/93 respectively. Six of the eleven knees that underwent the arthroscopic examinations were confirmed to be normal. The MRI evaluation revealed all the allografts to have healed completely but there was degeneration/shrinkage of the allografts, and injuries to the surrounding articular cartilage. Extrusion or subluxation of the menisci was observed in all cases.

    Conclusion

    Meniscal transplantation may be an effective procedure for young and active patients suffering from pain after a meniscectomy with minimal degenerative changes. However, a partial tear, extrusion or subluxation of the allograft menisci and a progression of degenerative arthritis have been reported. Therefore, more accurate and reliable surgical techniques as well as a long-term follow-up are recommended.

    Keywords
    Meniscal transplantation; Arthroscopic examination; Extrusion or subluxation; MRI

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    MR image of the lateral meniscus showing the extrusion of the transplanted lateral meniscus.

    Tables

    Table 1
    Summary of Cases

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    MeSH Terms
    Allografts
    Arthroscopy*
    Cartilage, Articular
    Female
    Follow-Up Studies
    Humans
    Knee
    Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
    Male
    Osteoarthritis
    Metrics
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