Meniscus Allograft
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Meniscus?
The meniscus is the soft, fibrous shock absorber that rests in the knee between the femur and the tibia. When it is removed, pain and arthritis can develop.
What is Meniscus Allograft Transplantation?
Meniscus allograft transplantation involves taking a meniscus from a cadaver (some one who has just died). The meniscus is tested to ensure that it is not contaminated and then frozen. When all of the tests are negative for contamination, it is provided to surgeons for meniscus transplantation. The technique of transplantation involves an arthroscopic outpatient surgery. See technique pages below.
Watch Meniscus Replacement Technique Video, interview with Dr. Kevin Stone.
How Long Has Meniscus Allograft Replacement Been in Use?
Meniscus allograft transplantation was first performed in humans at the turn of the century, but the cases by Milachowski in 1986 stimulated renewed interest in the field. The Three tunnel technique for meniscus allograft transplantation was first performed by Kevin R. Stone, M.D. at The Stone Clinic in San Francisco in 1997 after more than a decade of research and testing.
Who Can Benefit?
Patients with joint pain after having previously lost their meniscus cartilage are our most common candidates. In older people, we place a meniscus in order to diminish pain and to delay the time when a partial or complete joint replacement would be required. In young people who have lost the cartilage usually due to sports, we place a new meniscus to protect their joint for the future.
What are the Success Rates and the Problems?
Success rates are highest in the youngest patients with the healthiest joints of course. However, pain can also be diminished and function improved in older patients with arthritis. Our survival data for our first 47 patients with severe arthritis in a 2-7 year follow up study was 89% with improvement in both pain and function. The most common problem has been partial re-tearing of the transplanted meniscus which has required surgical suturing (repair), and rarely, complete replacement. Rejection of the meniscus has not been seen in our patients and only reported worldwide in a few cases.
How do I find out if I am a Candidate?
What is Meniscus Allograft Transplantation?
Meniscus allograft transplantation involves taking a meniscus from a cadaver (some one who has just died). The meniscus is tested to ensure that it is not contaminated and then frozen. When all of the tests are negative for contamination, it is provided to surgeons for meniscus transplantation. The technique of transplantation involves an arthroscopic outpatient surgery. See technique pages below.
Watch Meniscus Replacement Technique Video, interview with Dr. Kevin Stone.
How Long Has Meniscus Allograft Replacement Been in Use?
Meniscus allograft transplantation was first performed in humans at the turn of the century, but the cases by Milachowski in 1986 stimulated renewed interest in the field. The Three tunnel technique for meniscus allograft transplantation was first performed by Kevin R. Stone, M.D. at The Stone Clinic in San Francisco in 1997 after more than a decade of research and testing.
Who Can Benefit?
Patients with joint pain after having previously lost their meniscus cartilage are our most common candidates. In older people, we place a meniscus in order to diminish pain and to delay the time when a partial or complete joint replacement would be required. In young people who have lost the cartilage usually due to sports, we place a new meniscus to protect their joint for the future.
What are the Success Rates and the Problems?
Success rates are highest in the youngest patients with the healthiest joints of course. However, pain can also be diminished and function improved in older patients with arthritis. Our survival data for our first 47 patients with severe arthritis in a 2-7 year follow up study was 89% with improvement in both pain and function. The most common problem has been partial re-tearing of the transplanted meniscus which has required surgical suturing (repair), and rarely, complete replacement. Rejection of the meniscus has not been seen in our patients and only reported worldwide in a few cases.
How do I find out if I am a Candidate?
To learn if you are a candidate for any of these procedures or to learn more about The Stone Clinic's approach to meniscus replacement and Biologic Knee Replacement, please contact us at (415)563-3110 to make your appointment today. If you live outside of California, learn how Dr. Stone can provide you with an Outside Consultation. You can learn about our insurance policy here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@stoneclinic.com