In recent years, meniscus transplant surgery has been gaining attention as an emerging option in sports and joint preservation surgery, particularly for young and active individuals who have lost most or all of their meniscus due to injury or prior surgery.
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that functions as a shock absorber and load distributor. It plays a crucial role in maintaining joint stability and protecting the articular cartilage from excessive wear.
When a meniscus tear is irreparable, surgeons may need to remove the damaged portion through a procedure known as meniscectomy. While this often relieves immediate symptoms, substantial or near-total removal of the meniscus can increase the risk of early wear and tear in the knee joint over time.
For years, patients with significant meniscus loss had limited long-term solutions. Many would eventually experience persistent pain, swelling, and early degenerative changes, especially if they were physically active.
A widely accepted global procedure
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Meniscus transplantation is now a widely accepted procedure internationally, with studies reporting encouraging functional outcomes in carefully selected patients. It is generally considered for:
*Young individuals with near-total or total meniscus loss
*Patients experiencing pain following a previous meniscectomy
*Active individuals aiming to maintain joint function
*Cases where the knee joint is otherwise stable or can be stabilised
The surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with ligament reconstruction, depending on the patient’s condition.
How the surgery is performed
The transplanted meniscus is donor tissue obtained either from overseas tissue banks or from ISO-approved donor banks in India, including facilities in Mumbai. The grafts are thoroughly screened, preserved as fresh-frozen tissue, and stored under strict quality protocols.
Accurate size matching between the donor graft and the recipient’s knee is a critical step. Imaging and measurement techniques are used to ensure appropriate fit, as graft size plays an important role in long-term outcomes.
The procedure is performed arthroscopically using minimally invasive techniques. After transplantation, patients follow a structured rehabilitation programme. Recovery is gradual, with most individuals returning to routine activities in approximately six months, depending on associated procedures and adherence to physiotherapy.
Meniscus transplantation is being performed at select centres across India. We note that most candidates are young patients who had a subtotal meniscectomy for irreparable tears and later developed discomfort affecting daily or sporting activities.
A shift toward restoration
Meniscus transplant surgery reflects a broader shift in orthopaedics, from removing damaged tissue to attempting restoration where possible. While not suitable for every patient, it offers a joint-preserving option for carefully selected individuals aiming to delay early degenerative changes and maintain an active lifestyle.
As surgical expertise and tissue banking standards continue to evolve, meniscus transplantation is steadily becoming part of modern knee preservation strategies.
Dr Chirag Thonse is a Consultant - Orthopaedic, Robotic Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgeon, at Manipal Hospital.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
