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Progression of cartilage degeneration reduced after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation
Investigators of this study found substantial articular cartilage degeneration at the time of the initial subtotal or total lateral meniscectomy among patients who later underwent isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation and discovered the transplantation procedure slowed the progression of radiographic arthrosis.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed data for 49 patients who underwent subtotal/total lateral meniscectomy before isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation and compared International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades of the femorotibial joint at the time of subtotal/total meniscectomy and at lateral meniscal allograft transplantation, which was performed more than 1 year later. At the time of the initial meniscectomy, the lateral meniscal allograft transplantation and the latest follow-up, researchers performed radiographic evaluation for 38 patients.
Seong-Il Bin
Results showed significant degeneration of the articular cartilage on the femoral and tibial sides during a mean meniscus-deficient period of 4.5 years. Researchers observed 27% of patients had grade 3 or more degeneration on the lateral tibial plateau at the time of initial meniscectomy, which doubled to 57% of patients by the time of lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. During the mean meniscus-deficient period of 3.1 years, Kellgren-Lawrence grades worsened and joint space widths narrowed significantly, according to results.
However, radiographic assessment showed no significant change in Kellgren-Lawrence grades and joint space width during the mean post-transplantation period of 3.8 years. Researchers found no association in the changes in ICRS grade and joint space width during the meniscus-deficient period with age, BMI, mechanical axis deviation or Tegner activity level. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.