Up until about 15 years ago, it was common practice for a number of physicians to remove the entire portion of the meniscus with surgery. This took place relatively routinely and at the time, the role of the meniscus in the proper functioning of the knee joint was not completely understood. It was not until research had begun to show signs of arthritic changes in the knee following this procedure that complete removal has now been abandoned. If the tear to the meniscus cartilage cannot be repaired and a large portion of the cartilage needs to be removed as a result, or if you have had a previous surgery to have all of your cartilage removed, then you may be a candidate for meniscus replacement surgery. Meniscus replacement surgery is a procedure that is designed to reduce the symptoms associated with not having adequate joint space and cushion.
Symptoms can be anything from low-grade pain and swelling to a significant reduction in activity.
The technique consists of either using a collagen scaffold from a cow or taking a meniscus cartilage from a newly deceased donor and surgically implanting it into your knee. The actual surgical technique can be found at Surgical Technique of Meniscal Replacement . The surgery is performed arthroscopically on an outpatient basis with most patients returning home that afternoon. Post-operatively, patients use a brace for support and will be instructed on their weightbearing status. The first few days consists of ice, elevation, stretching, pain and edema control and leg raises.