RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of meniscus allografts in combination with other procedures to delay knee arthroplasty in patients older than 50 years previously advised joint arthroplasty. METHODS: A total of 108 meniscus allograft transplants using the arthroscopic 3-tunnel technique between 1997 and 2019 in patients older than 50 years were retrospectively reviewed with a 2-year minimum follow-up period. Inclusion criteria were patients recommended for knee arthroplasty with pain and preservation of some joint space by standing flexion radiographs. Exclusion criteria were lack of joint space, failure to comply with rehabilitation protocol, and failure to complete research questionnaires. International Knee Documentation Committee composite and isolated pain scale were evaluated longitudinally. Time from meniscus allograft transplant to arthroplasty was measured, with failure defined as allograft excision or revision, progression to arthroplasty, or same or increased pain. RESULTS: Eighty-six of 108 (79.6%) patients met eligibility criteria. Over the follow-up mean 8.55 (range 0.68 to 25.2) years, 42 of 87 (48.2%) grafts progressed to arthroplasty with mean time of 8.64 (median 8.05) years. Concomitant procedures did not have significant impact on survival; however, survival medians were higher among paste graft and chondroplasty and lower among osteotomy groups. At the time of reporting, 41 of 84 (48.8%) patients had intact meniscus transplants, demonstrating significant improvements (P < .001) in pain and function as assessed by International Knee Documentation Committee Score. These improvements were sustained 10 years postoperatively, correlated to a mean of 65.8 years of age. At least 50% of patients achieved Minimal Clinically Important Difference through 10 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscus allografts in combination with other arthroscopic interventions delay knee arthroplasty and improve knee symptoms of pain and function in a population of knee arthroplasty candidates older than 50 years. Influences of concomitant procedures cannot be defined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series, retrospective.