What is a meniscal transplant?
Meniscal allograft transplantation replaces a missing or severely damaged meniscus with donor tissue, sized from your imaging to match your anatomy. The meniscus is the knee's shock absorber — when most of it has been removed (usually after prior meniscectomy), the affected compartment sees dramatically higher contact pressures, which causes activity-related pain and accelerates cartilage wear.
Who is a candidate?
The ideal candidate is a younger, active patient with significant meniscus loss, persistent pain in that compartment, and relatively healthy cartilage without significant arthritis. Alignment and cartilage status are assessed first — when malalignment is also present, transplant may be combined with a realignment osteotomy, and cartilage defects can be addressed with cartilage restoration at the same setting.
What does it accomplish?
Transplantation restores the cushioning function lost after extensive meniscus removal, can meaningfully reduce pain related to meniscus deficiency, and may help protect the cartilage and delay further joint degeneration. It is intended to relieve symptoms and protect the joint rather than fully recreate the original meniscus — expectations are set honestly at your consultation.
Recovery timeline
The graft must heal to the bone and capsule, so early recovery is protective: limited weight-bearing and motion in a brace for the first 6 weeks, progressive weight-bearing and strengthening over months 2–4, and a gradual return to low-impact activity between months 4 and 9. High-impact and pivoting sport is approached cautiously and individually.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good candidate for a meniscal transplant?
Generally younger, active patients with significant meniscus loss from prior surgery, persistent pain in the affected compartment, and relatively healthy cartilage without established arthritis.
Will this make my knee normal again?
It can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function, though it's intended to relieve symptoms and protect the joint rather than fully recreate your original meniscus.
Is donor tissue safe?
Donor tissue undergoes rigorous screening and testing before use, following strict national tissue-bank standards.
What if I still have a repairable tear instead?
When your own meniscus can be saved, repair is always preferred — see the meniscus tear guide for repair versus meniscectomy decisions.
See Dr. Pettit
5 locations across Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky · (513) 354-3700