Bone bridge in slot technique for meniscal transplantation

Abstract

The menisci play a crucial role in knee function through optimizing contact mechanics (increasing contact area and distributing contact stresses), providing anteroposterior stability, articular cartilage nutrition and proprioception. It is well known that the post-meniscectomized knee can lead to degenerative changes that result in significant pain and disability. Meniscal transplantation attempts to restore the normal structure and function to the knee joint. Several studies suggest that anatomic bony fixation of the anterior and posterior horns are necessary to approximate normal knee contact mechanics. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the indications, preoperative planning, operative technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and results of the bone bridge in slot technique for meniscal allograft transplantation.