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OBJECTIVES: Subtotal or total meniscectomy in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee results in a high risk of future osteoarthritis. Meniscal allograft transplantation has been performed for over thirty years with the scientifically plausible hypothesis that it functions in a similar way to a native meniscus. It is thought that a meniscal allograft transplant has a chondroprotective effect, reducing symptoms and the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. However, this hypothesis has never been tested in a high-quality study on human participants. This study aims to address this shortfall by performing a pilot randomised controlled trial within the context of a comprehensive cohort study design. METHODS: Patients will be randomised to receive either meniscal transplant or a non-operative, personalised knee therapy program. MRIs will be performed every four months for one year. The primary endpoint is the mean change in cartilage volume in the weight-bearing area of the knee at one year post intervention. Secondary outcome measures include the mean change in cartilage thickness, T2 maps, patient-reported outcome measures, health economics assessment and complications. RESULTS: This study is expected to report its findings in 2016. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:93-8.

Original publication

DOI

10.1302/2046-3758.46.2000318

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bone joint res

Publication Date

06/2015

Volume

4

Pages

93 - 98

Keywords

Chondroprotection, Meniscal allograft transplantation, Osteoarthritis, Randomised controlled trial