Failure?is far from a given for those who undergo?meniscal allograft transplantation?(MAT). In what is the largest series in?the literature, Brian Cole, M.D. and colleagues?have just this week published?information indicating positive results?for those undergoing meniscal allograft?transplantation.
Dr. Cole, Professor in?the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery?and Anatomy & Cell Biology at?Rush University Medical Center, told?OTW, ?We looked at 200 patients who?underwent MAT, 172 of whom were?evaluated at 59 months with a minimum?two year follow-up. Sixty-percent?of these patients had a combined MAT?with a concomitant articular cartilage?procedure such as an osteochondral?allograft.
Our goal was to determine the?indications for a second surgery after?a meniscal transplant, as well as what?would be likely to happen if people?required a second surgery. Thirty-two?percent required a second operation?(due to scar tissue and/or persistent?symptoms).???There was a 95% allograft survival?rate at five years; even those who had?to undergo a second surgery fared well?with an 88% survival rate (however?they were at a slight increased risk of?failure).
This news helps us as far as?educating people in this complicated?patient group. These are typically individuals?who have undergone multiple?operations; our study helps us to better?understand what the future looks?like for these patients. We can now?say to patients, ?Even if you undergo a?meniscal allograft transplant?with or?without a subsequent arthroscopic surgery?it doesn?t mean it is going to fail.? [read complete article]
ORTHOPEDICS THIS WEEK
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6 | FEBRUARY 25, 2014
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