Aim: To describe the technique and assess mid-term clinical outcomes and safety of medial meniscus allograft transplantation (MMAT) compared to LMAT with bone bridge.
Methods: A prospective, single-center clinical longitudinal study included all consecutive patients undergoing MMAT or LMAT between 2014 and 2024. 74 patients (36 females) operated with a bone-bridge technique in a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach were included. Simultaneous cartilage repair (ACI) was performed in the same compartment in 12 patients (19.0%), and in 19 patients (30.2%) at other locations. ACL-R was performed in 19 patients (30.2%). PROMS were assessed, complications and failures were documented.
Results: Mean follow-up was 65.5 ± 31.1 months (12-129), mean patient age was 29.9 ± 9.37, mean BMI was 23.8 ± 3.5kg/m2. Significant post-op improvements were observed in all subjective scores (p<.001). MMAT showed significantly better results in KOOS subscale for function, sports and recreational activities than LMAT (p=.05). Twelve patients (19.0%) required re-suture with no difference between groups. Females had significantly better results in most scores. 5 patients (3 LMAT, 2 MMAT) underwent revision allograft and 1 failure resulted in a UKR. ACL-R or ACI had no influence.
Conclusions: MMAT with bone-bridge is a safe procedure for meniscal deficiency. Medial and lateral MAT with bone-bridge showed high overall survivorship rates of 90.5% and favorable mid-term patient-reported satisfaction. Further studies with higher patient numbers are necessary for deeper investigation.
