✦ Advanced Joint Preservation

Meniscus Transplantation

Q: Who is an appropriate candidate for meniscal transplantation?

Candidates are typically under 50, have had a significant meniscal resection, have localised compartmental pain, intact or near-normal cartilage, a stable and well-aligned knee, and are prepared to comply with the extensive post-operative rehabilitation protocol.

Q: How is the donor meniscus obtained and is it safe?

Donor menisci come from certified tissue banks with rigorous screening protocols for infectious disease and tissue viability. Size matching uses MRI measurements. The procedure has an excellent safety record when appropriately sourced allografts are used.

Q: How long can a transplanted meniscus be expected to function?

Well-selected patients show meaningful symptom relief and joint protection for 10 or more years after transplantation. The best results are achieved when the cartilage surfaces are still in good condition and the knee is stable at the time of surgery.

Q: What does recovery from meniscal transplantation involve?

Six weeks of non-weight-bearing on crutches is required to allow graft integration. Thereafter, progressive rehabilitation restores movement, strength, and function. Return to sport and unrestricted activity typically takes 6–9 months post-surgery.

A precisely size-matched donor meniscus is transplanted into the knee to restore shock absorption and load distribution — protecting the cartilage surface and delaying arthritic progression in meniscus-deficient patients.

75–120 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>80% SUCCESS RATE

6–9 Months FULL RECOVERY

What is Meniscus Transplantation?

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) places a size-matched donor meniscus — sourced from a certified tissue bank — into a knee that has lost significant meniscal tissue through previous surgery or injury. Without an intact meniscus, the cartilage beneath absorbs abnormally high contact pressures, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of arthritis. The transplanted meniscus restores the biomechanical environment of the joint, reduces pain, and provides meaningful protection for the cartilage surface. Dr. Sai Kishan performs meniscal transplantation at Lux Hospitals for carefully evaluated young, active patients where the cartilage is still viable and the joint is mechanically sound.

Suitable for younger active patients under 50 with significant meniscal loss, persistent compartmental pain, well-preserved cartilage surfaces, a mechanically stable and appropriately aligned knee — and where accurate size-matching of the donor meniscus to the recipient's tibial plateau has been confirmed.

How the Procedure Works

Donor Graft Size Matching

MRI and plain radiograph measurements confirm the dimensions of the tibial plateau; a tissue bank allograft is selected to match within 5% of the recipient.

Anaesthesia & Joint Assessment

Spinal or general anaesthesia; arthroscopy confirms the cartilage status and any concurrent pathology before proceeding with transplantation.

Recipient Site Preparation

Meniscal remnants are trimmed; bone slots or tunnels are created in the tibial plateau at the anterior and posterior root attachment sites.

Allograft Insertion & Root Fixation

The donor meniscus is introduced and the horn attachments are secured in the bone tunnels using suture or bone plug techniques.

Peripheral Repair & Closure

The outer rim of the allograft is sutured to the capsule around its circumference; portals are closed and six weeks of non-weight-bearing begins.

Outcomes

75–120 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>80%SUCCESS RATE

6–9 MonthsRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

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Restores the load-distributing and shock-absorbing function of the meniscus
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Reduces abnormally elevated cartilage contact pressures in the affected compartment
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Meaningfully slows the arthritis that follows significant meniscal loss
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Provides reliable pain relief and improved function in carefully selected patients
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Arthroscopically assisted technique with minimally invasive graft delivery
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Extends time before joint replacement becomes necessary in young patients

Meniscal transplantation is not for every patient — but for the right candidate, it genuinely changes the trajectory of the knee. A young person living with compartment pain after meniscectomy deserves this conversation.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Meniscus Transplantation Cost in Hyderabad

The cost of Meniscus Transplantation in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,00,000, with an average cost of around ₹3,75,000. The final expense can vary depending on the extent of meniscus deficiency, patient selection, graft requirements, surgical technique, associated knee conditions, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation needs.

Procedure	Approximate Cost Range
Post-meniscectomy, young patient	₹2,50,000 ₹5,00,000
Meniscus-deficient young knee	₹2,50,000 ₹5,00,000

Meniscus transplantation may be considered for selected younger patients with significant meniscus deficiency and persistent symptoms after meniscectomy. Suitability depends on factors such as knee alignment, cartilage condition, ligament stability and the overall health of the joint.

Factors Affecting Meniscus Transplantation Cost

The overall cost of meniscus transplantation depends on graft requirements, the condition of the knee and whether additional procedures are needed to restore joint stability or alignment.

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Extent of meniscus deficiency and the amount of meniscal tissue previously removed
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Patient age, activity level and suitability for meniscus transplantation based on clinical assessment
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Condition of the knee cartilage and presence of degenerative or other joint changes
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Knee alignment and whether corrective treatment is required beforStability of the ACL, PCL and other knee ligaments and any associated ligament reconstruction requirede or along with transplantation
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Donor meniscus graft requirements, sizing and associated graft-related costs
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Arthroscopic equipment, fixation devices, sutures and other surgical materials required for transplantation
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Pre-operative MRI, X-rays, blood tests and other investigations needed for surgical planning
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and hospitalisation charges
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Post-operative bracing, physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation over the recovery period
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Follow-up consultations and any additional treatment required for associated knee conditions

Insurance Coverage for Meniscus Transplantation

Coverage for meniscus transplantation can vary depending on the medical indication and individual insurance policy. When considered medically necessary, coverage may be available subject to policy terms, network hospital provisions, pre-authorisation requirements and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage with their insurer before treatment.

Checking your policy coverage
Cashless approval process
Required documentation
Insurance-related queries before the procedure

Dr. Sai Kishan

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Consultation with an experienced orthopaedic knee specialist is recommended to determine whether meniscus transplantation is appropriate. At Lux Hospitals, the orthopaedic team can assess the patient's symptoms, previous meniscus surgery, imaging findings and overall knee condition before recommending an appropriate treatment approach. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: History of meniscus removal, previous knee surgery and ongoing pain or activity-related symptoms Degree of meniscus deficiency and its effect on knee function MRI and X-ray findings, including cartilage condition and the overall status of the knee joint Knee alignment and stability, including the condition of the major knee ligaments Activity level, functional requirements and expectations from treatment Whether meniscus transplantation alone or an additional procedure may be required Expected recovery, bracing, weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation requirements

Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is an appropriate candidate for meniscal transplantation?+

How is the donor meniscus obtained and is it safe?+

How long can a transplanted meniscus be expected to function?+

What does recovery from meniscal transplantation involve?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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