Meniscus subluxation retensioning: “autotransplant”

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in the older population and is characterized by several articular dysfunctions with consequent anatomic abnormalities including osteochondral degenerative changes and meniscal extrusion. Meniscal damage with extrusion is one of the strongest identified risk factors for the development and progression of knee OA and represents an important factor in the long-term health of the joint. Meniscal extrusion can alter normal knee biomechanics and dramatically inhibit meniscal function. We present a surgical technique for the treatment of early knee OA in association with an extruded meniscus to restore the meniscal anatomic position and preserve its native physiological function related to cartilage preservation. Meniscal retensioning, or a "meniscal autotransplant," can increase meniscal coverage in the compromised compartment, prevent cartilage degeneration, decrease subchondral bone exposure, and restore the compartmental space and, consequently, can relieve patients' symptoms related to early OA.