Meniscus Transplant Study Group
A global collaboration of orthopaedic surgeons, veterinary surgeons, and scientists dedicated to advancing the science and clinical practice of meniscus transplantation.
About MTSG
What is a Meniscus?
The meniscus is a soft, fibrous cartilage structure that rests between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) in the knee joint. Each knee contains two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side.
A healthy meniscus provides crucial cushioning and shock absorption, distributes forces evenly across the knee joint, and creates a gliding surface that is five times smoother than ice on ice. The meniscus plays a vital role in joint stability, lubrication, and protection of the articular cartilage.
What is Meniscus Allograft Transplantation (MAT)?
Meniscus Allograft Transplantation (MAT) is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or missing meniscus with donor tissue from a cadaver (allograft). When a meniscus is torn beyond repair or has been previously removed, the knee loses its natural shock absorption and force distribution, leading to pain, instability, and accelerated arthritis.
MAT can restore knee function, reduce pain, and potentially delay or prevent the need for total knee replacement. The procedure is typically performed arthroscopically through small incisions, using the three-tunnel technique to secure the donor meniscus to the tibia and surrounding joint capsule.
Recent Research: Studies have shown that meniscus allograft transplantation in conjunction with biologic knee restoration can successfully delay arthroplasty even in patients over 50 years old with moderate to severe arthritis—challenging previous contraindications.
Our Mission
The Meniscus Transplant Study Group (MTSG) advances the science and clinical practice of meniscus transplantation through collaborative research, education, and knowledge sharing among leading orthopaedic surgeons, veterinary surgeons, and scientists worldwide.
Research Excellence
Promoting rigorous scientific investigation into meniscus biology, transplantation techniques, and long-term outcomes.
Education & Training
Facilitating knowledge transfer from basic science research to clinical practice through meetings, presentations, and surgical technique sharing.
Global Collaboration
Connecting international experts to share findings, develop best practices, and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
History
The Meniscus Transplant Study Group (MTSG) was founded in 1986 by a pioneering group of orthopaedic surgeons, veterinary surgeons, and scientists who recognized the need for systematic study of meniscus cartilage transplantation.
Dr. Kevin R. Stone, founder of Stone Research Foundation, was a founding member of the MTSG. Stone Research Foundation has been a driving force behind the group—hosting, facilitating, and funding the annual meeting held in conjunction with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Since its inception, the MTSG has expanded internationally and now includes the European Meniscal Transplantation Group (EMTG). Together, these groups have helped establish meniscus transplantation as a viable treatment option, with over 4,000 human meniscus allografts transplanted and documented outcomes demonstrating significant clinical benefit.
Attend
Upcoming Meeting
Details for the next Meniscus Transplantation Study Group (MTSG) meeting, including date, time, and location, will be announced when available. Sign up for the newsletter below to receive announcements on future meetings.
MTSG meetings are typically held annually in conjunction with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting, bringing together leading researchers and clinicians to share the latest advances in meniscus transplantation.
Call for Abstracts
We encourage researchers, clinicians, and scientists working in meniscus biology, transplantation techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and outcomes research to submit abstracts for presentation at future MTSG meetings.
Basic science and translational research
Clinical outcomes and case series
Surgical technique innovations
Rehabilitation and recovery protocols
Abstract submission guidelines and deadlines will be announced with the upcoming meeting details.
Past Meetings
Review proceedings, presentations, and key findings from previous MTSG meetings.
Meeting Archives
Access a comprehensive archive of past MTSG meetings, including dates, locations, presentations, and research findings.
View Past MeetingsResources
Surgical Technique Training
Access comprehensive surgical technique videos for meniscus transplantation, including the three-tunnel technique for medial and lateral meniscus allograft transplantation.
View Technique VideosRehabilitation Program
Evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for meniscus allograft transplantation, developed through decades of clinical experience and outcomes research.
Comprehensive rehab protocol PDF coming soon. Contact us for current rehabilitation guidelines and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about meniscus transplantation and candidacy.
Who Can Benefit from Meniscus Transplantation?
Meniscus allograft transplantation may benefit patients who have lost meniscus tissue due to injury, previous surgery, or degenerative changes and are experiencing knee pain, swelling, or instability. Ideal candidates include:
- Patients with pain following meniscectomy (meniscus removal)
- Individuals with isolated meniscus deficiency and relatively preserved articular cartilage
- Active individuals seeking to delay or avoid total knee replacement
- Patients willing to commit to a structured rehabilitation program
Recent research has shown that meniscus transplantation can be successful even in patients over 50 years old with moderate arthritis when combined with other biologic knee restoration procedures.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery from meniscus allograft transplantation is a gradual process that requires patience and commitment to rehabilitation:
- 0-6 weeks: Protected weight-bearing with crutches or brace, focus on reducing swelling and regaining range of motion
- 6-12 weeks: Progressive weight-bearing and strengthening exercises, low-impact activities
- 3-6 months: Continued strengthening, introduction of higher-impact activities as tolerated
- 6-12 months: Return to sports and full activities, with most patients achieving peak improvement by 12-18 months
Recovery timelines vary based on individual factors, concurrent procedures, and adherence to the rehabilitation protocol. Close follow-up with your surgeon and physical therapist is essential for optimal outcomes.
What are the Success Rates?
Published research from Stone Research Foundation and other institutions has demonstrated encouraging long-term outcomes for meniscus allograft transplantation:
- 89.4% allograft survival rate at 2-7 years follow-up, even in patients with moderate to severe unicompartmental arthritis
- Significant pain reduction and functional improvement in the majority of patients
- Successful outcomes in patients over 50 years old when combined with biologic knee restoration procedures
- Long-term survival of concurrent meniscus transplantation and articular cartilage repair procedures
Success depends on multiple factors including patient selection, surgical technique, rehabilitation compliance, activity modification, and concurrent procedures. Discussing realistic expectations with your surgeon is important for achieving satisfactory outcomes.
Can Infection Occur?
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection following meniscus allograft transplantation. However, the risk is relatively low with modern surgical techniques and tissue processing protocols:
- Infection rates for arthroscopic meniscus transplantation are typically less than 1-2%
- Donor tissue undergoes rigorous screening and sterilization protocols to minimize disease transmission risk
- Prophylactic antibiotics are administered before and after surgery
- Sterile surgical technique and proper wound care reduce infection risk
Warning signs of infection include increasing pain, fever, excessive swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage from incision sites. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of infection is crucial for preserving the allograft and joint health.
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Questions?
For inquiries about MTSG membership, meeting information, or research collaboration opportunities, please contact us.
Contact Research Team