The Long Journey in My Meniscus Transplantation Experience
In meniscus transplantation surgery, which I began nearly 15 years ago, I now have the largest series in our country. My first surgical experience in meniscus transplantation was, years ago, a combined lateral and medial meniscus transplantation operation. This was the first combined medial and lateral meniscus transplant operation in our country. At that time, this surgery had rarely been performed anywhere in the world.
My first hero in meniscus transplantation was dear Dürdane, who at the time was a successful professional volleyball player. Dear Dürdane, who visits me every year on February 14th, is now living a healthy life as a highly successful healthcare professional. Years ago, we used to transplant menisci that we ourselves prepared from cadavers; now we are able to obtain menisci matched to our patients’ meniscus size, gender, and age from tissue banks. We transplant these menisci together with bone tissue, matched to the bone tissue we prepare in the patient.
So, why meniscus transplantation? Meniscus tissue is an indispensable structure for the knee joint. Both the lateral and medial menisci are among the most important intra-articular structures that provide stability to the knee joint. When meniscus tissue is lost, it is not only the cartilage that is affected, but also the intra-articular ligaments. Scientific studies have shown that, in cases of meniscus loss, the future development of osteoarthritis becomes almost inevitable. Just imagine a very young patient with no meniscus and a poor quality of life. Most of these patients come to us after being told, “wait, eventually you’ll need a replacement.” In the United States and Europe, meniscus transplantation is a common surgery. Patients are referred to centers that specialize in this field. As a result, patients’ joint health is preserved through surgeries performed at an early stage.
In our country, unfortunately, because this is not a very common surgery and because our colleagues do not have sufficient and satisfactory knowledge on the subject, patients often come to us only through information they find on the internet. Over the course of nearly 15 years, I have performed more than 170 meniscus replacements. In the long-term follow-up of many of these patients, quality of life improved while the joint was preserved intact.
However, there is something that must not be forgotten: an attempt should always be made to repair meniscus tissue first. That said, unfortunately, we have very little chance of doing so, especially in older patients and in cases where the meniscus tissue no longer has healing potential. Worldwide, the age limit for meniscus transplantation has extended up to 55 years. However, it is important to assess the condition of the joint. I have also had experience with meniscus transplantation in middle-aged patients, particularly those with proper joint alignment. Nevertheless, these cases must be carefully evaluated, discussed with the patient, and decided upon accordingly. Even when a young patient has a malalignment, it should be remembered that both alignment surgery and meniscus transplantation can be performed. I have had experience with this approach in more than 25 cases.
Sometimes I reproach my patients, asking, “Why don’t you call me?” They tell me they don’t feel the need to call because they’re doing well. On one hand, this makes me happy; on the other hand, it makes me curious to check on patients who have become like close family to me.
In summary, in this first article of mine, I wanted to briefly describe a surgery that is very special to me. In the future, I will share more information with you through patient stories. I wish you all healthy days.
