What is it?

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Who should have meniscal transplant surgery?

The majority of patients are:

• Young, active individuals with a history of specific knee pain during or after activity and of gradual onset that has not responded to anti-inflammatory medication and/or physiotherapy.
• Patients with knee pain after a loss of a significant amount of meniscal tissue from a previous surgery.

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Will I need any tests/scans?

Mr Patel routinely requests plain X-rays and MRI scans before this type of surgery. Please see the Surgery FAQs to see if you will need any other tests e.g. blood tests before your surgery.

How is it done?

The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic.

Can I go home the same day?

More often than not, as with most arthroscopic surgery, this is a day case procedure. Occasionally an overnight stay is advised depending on post- operative comfort levels and time of day of the surgery.

What about after the operation?

You will see a physiotherapist before discharge to be instructed on crutch use and simple exercises to carry out in the short term. Crutches are advised for 6 weeks.

Surgery for meniscal transplantation is usually followed by 6 weeks of toe-touch weight bearing with crutches. Passive range of movement exercises can start as soon as comfort allows, but greater movement and knee strengthening does not commence until the crutches have been discarded.

You will see Mr Patel two weeks after surgery for a wound check (and stitch removal) and a physiotherapy program will ensue thereafter which is paramount to the success of the operation.

What are the potential complications?

All surgery carries a risk. Specific risks to meniscal transplant surgery are:

Infection - this can be either superficial (portals) or within the joint.

Thrombosis - a clot in the deep veins of the lower limb. The risk is minimised by early mobility if possible. Oral contraceptive pills and HRT, which are known to increase risk, should be stopped before surgery. Mr Patel will advise you on this.

Bleeding - this may require a return to the operating room for removal of blood clots and to stop the bleeding.

Stiffness - It is very important that some mobility of the knee is maintained after surgery. The physiotherapist will advise on simple exercises that can be carried out at home. Mr Patel also recommends that you take regular analgesia and use ice or a cryocuff device (see Surgery FAQs) to help minimise post- operative discomfort and facilitate early movements.

Residual symptoms - unfortunately, no guarantees can be offered regarding curing your symptoms, despite the surgeon's best efforts. In this case, further management and treatment options will be discussed with you.

Other -

Mr Patel will discuss your particular case with you in detail and answer any questions you may have at your consultations.

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