Meniscal allograft transplantation using a novel all-arthroscopic technique with specifically designed instrumentation.

Abstract

The present study describes a novel all-arthroscopic technique for medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Surgical instruments were specifically designed to assist in the all-arthroscopic approach for MAT. The bone plug attachment technique, either the arthroscopic-assisted or all-arthroscopic approach, attaches bone plugs to the anterior and posterior horns. In the present study, two sets of surgical implements were designed: One to produce bone plugs of predefined sizes in the anterior and posterior horns of the allograft meniscus (bone plug implements) and a second to create bone tunnels in the receptor tibial plateau to hold the bone plugs (bone tunnel implements). The present study demonstrated that an all-arthroscopic approach to MAT was feasible. Furthermore, the specifically designed surgical instruments allowed for consistent preparation of grafts and recipient tissues, contributing to a standardized approach to MAT. The present findings indicate that an all-arthroscopic approach to MAT may be achievable. They also provide the incentive for future clinical studies to directly compare the outcomes and to initiate the standardization of the procedure to optimize MAT and maximize patient outcomes and quality of life.