Lyophilised medial meniscus transplantations in ACL-deficient knees: a 19-year follow-up

The treatment of meniscal tears has changed since the early 1980s. Meniscus transplantation emerged as a treatment option during that period. This study aims to present the long-term results of the first lyophilised meniscus allograft transplants in Turkey. Between 1990 and 1992, four transplants of the medial meniscus combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were performed on patients with a history of medial meniscectomy and anterior knee instability at our institution. For all patients who underwent meniscus lyophilised allograft transplantation and revision ACL reconstruction, clinical outcomes were evaluated over a mean period of 19 years of postoperative follow-up by clinical assessment, Tegner score, Lysholm score, Knee Society Score, radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The median value of Tegner score was 3 before index surgery and 2.5 at year 19 postoperatively. The median value of Lysholm score was 60.5 before index surgery and 62.5 at year 19. All of the patients had Outerbridge grade IV osteoarthritis by X-ray examination at year 19. Successful meniscus transplantation depends on many factors. This study examines the effect of allografts on these factors and describes experiences with lyophilised allografts in four male patients. IV