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The Challenge: Arthritic
Knees and Cartilage Damage
The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage wedge in the knee, which is often partially or completely removed when damaged in sports or compromised in the hostile environment of an arthritic knee. Loss of the shock absorber hastens arthritic changes and increases pain caused by raw arthritic surfaces rubbing against each other – "bone on bone." Previous studies suggest patients with severe arthritis are poor candidates for meniscus transplantation because the rough surfaces of arthritic joints may compromise the transplanted tissue. |
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Meniscus Allograft Clinical Study
Our study focused on 47 patients with severe arthritis, who underwent a meniscus allograft (a cadaver-to-patient transplant) to answer the question: Can a meniscus allograft survive in a severely arthritic knee? To date, this study is one of the most comprehensive clinical investigations published on meniscus allograft transplantation with the oldest patient population and the highest average level of arthritis. |
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Study Results
The results of 47 allografts, followed from 2 to 7 years, compare favorably with previous reports of meniscus allograft transplantation in younger patients with less severe arthritis. Therefore, meniscus allografts can survive in arthritic joints of older patients. |
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Why This Study Is Important
The Stone Research Foundation demonstrated that transplantation of a shock-absorbing meniscus can:
___ • Provide
long-term pain relief
___ • Delay
total knee replacement
___ • Maintain
high levels of activity and fitness even in severely arthritic patients.
These findings challenge the contraindications of age and arthritis severity for meniscus allograft transplantation. This procedure can significantly improve patient outcomes, even in older, arthritic patients. As we better understand the indications for meniscus transplantation, we can offer hope to more patients while reducing costs to the medical system by delaying total knee replacement. |
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Current Study
The Stone Research Foundation is currently evaluating
the outcomes of 116 meniscus allograft patients up to 11 years
after surgery. Meniscus allograft survival and patient reported
pain, function, and physical activity levels will be presented
and published in 2009. |
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Stone KR Meniscus Survival Arthroscopy 2006 |
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