The purpose of this study was to evaluate arthroscopically the morphological changes of the transplanted human allogenic meniscus including MRI changes at follow up.

From Feb. 1996 to Dec. 1997, among seventeen patients that received allogenic meniscal transplantation, fourteen patients underwent arthroscopic evaluation (7 medial and 7 lateral) at follow-up (from 26 to 48 months post transplantation, average 34 months). To fix the transplanted meniscus, we used a bone-plug method in ten, it key-hole method in three, and the bone-bridge method in one patient. MRI of the five volunteer knees were taken 6 months and 1 year after the operation. In three patients, biopsy samples were taken from the peripheral and central portion of the grafted meniscus.

The second-look arthroscopy after allogenic meniscal transplantation revealed that grafts were viable and well incorporated with surrounding capsular tissue. In all cases, the substance of the meniscus was probed and seemed normal. There was no evidence of shrinkage except in one case.

Second-look arthroscopy revealed excellent incorporation of the allograft with firm attachment throughout. Although early clinical results seem to be promising, further studies are necessary to properly assess whether meniscal transplants will prevent degenerative changes, and enhance knee joint stability.