Lateral Meniscus Allograft Transplantation in Combination with BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) Injection: Biologic Augmentation of the Allograft

Meniscus Allograft Transplantation Augmented With Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) has been shown to be a feasible surgical option for younger patients, below 50 years of age who have meniscal insufficiency and have failed conservative treatment measures. In this technical note, we describe a procedure of harvesting and injecting bone marrow aspirate concentrate in a meniscus allograft during a MAT procedure, which may allow for longer lasting transplants and improve patient outcomes. In this technical note, bone marrow aspirate concentrate is harvested arthroscopically from the intercondylar notch at the surgical site, which prevents additional donor site morbidity, as seen with harvesting from other locations, such as the iliac crest. This also reduces operating time, since harvesting from the iliac crest requires different patient positioning and usually additional anesthesia. The authors of this surgical technique believe that biological augmentation during MATs will assist surgeons in maximizing graft survivorship and, ultimately, lead to better patient outcomes.

Minced Meniscus: Biologic Augmented Meniscal Implant Treatment

Applications of meniscus scaffolds are crucial for preserving articular cartilage tissue, restoring normal joint mechanics, and stabilizing joints with partial meniscus deficits. Studies are still being conducted to determine how meniscus scaffold applications can create viable and durable tissue. The surgical procedure described in this study uses the meniscus scaffold and minced meniscus tissue.

Segmental Medial Meniscus Transplantation in Combination With BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) Injection to Improve Healing and Prevent Extrusion

In recent years, the lack of permanent protection of meniscus scaffold applications in partial and segmental loss of meniscus tissue and the low rates of long-term survival of meniscus transplantation have brought partial meniscus transplantation applications into question. This technique aims to accelerate the capsular healing and prevent future extrusion of the segmental piece by performing biological augmentation with bone marrow aspirate concentrate together with a stable fixation of the partial meniscus allograft.