Meniscus transplant for athletes are becoming common procedure. Meniscal damage of the knee is a common problem seen in athletes. Any damages to the meniscus of the knee can lead to degenerative changes of the joints. Meniscus protects our knee and evenly distributes the force on the knee. Any damage to the meniscus increases the force on the articular surface of the joint. A torn meniscus cans produce pain in the knee joint. The pain will increase if the person is involved in vigorous activities like sports. Sometimes it may lead to locking of the knee. This makes it impossible for the patient to fully bend or extend the knee.  The badly torn meniscus are difficult to repair and usually the surgeons opt for meniscus transplant.

The most accurate method to diagnose a torn meniscus is Arthroscopy. It is important to make sure that the athlete has not developed arthritis using x-rays before opting for a meniscus transplant for athletes. The transplant of meniscus will not be successful for patients with advanced degenerative changes in the joints. The meniscus is important for the shock absorption action in the knee during sports activities.  A meniscus transplant can restore the meniscus tissue which gives the necessary cushioning action to the knee joint. This will relieve the pain.

What You Should Know About Surgery?
Usually arthroscopic surgery is recommended for meniscus tears.  Doctor suggests allograft meniscus replacement surgery if the patient is healthy and wishes to remain active. For effective allograft replacement of meniscus it is necessary that the patient gets the help of an experienced surgeon. It is possible to restore about 90 % of meniscus function and comfort after the meniscus transplant for athletes.  The complication rate for this surgery is 1.3% but remember all surgery has risks and failure associated with them. It takes one to two hours to complete the surgery. Narcotic pain medicines will be needed after the surgery.  To regain the movements of the knee and to get muscle control physical therapy is needed. Knee braces are necessary for the first week. Activities like swimming and exercise machines are possible after 12 weeks. The athlete can get back to sports after 16 weeks.