Meniscal transplant: replacing damaged cartilage for relief
A meniscal transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or removed meniscus with a donor meniscus. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and shin bone. When the meniscus is damaged or removed, it can lead to pain, swelling, and arthritis in the knee joint.
The procedure involves removing the damaged meniscus and preparing the knee joint for the transplant. The donor meniscus is then sized and shaped to fit the patient’s knee and is secured in place with sutures or other fixation devices.
Recovery from a meniscal transplant can take several months and involves physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the knee joint. The success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of damage to the knee joint.
