An artificial meniscus implant (CMI) is currently the only method of restoring lost or injured meniscus tissue. An implant stimulates the body's own tissue cells to regrow the meniscus tissue. This allows the function of the meniscus to be restored. Approximately six months after such a meniscus operation, the patient can resume their usual level of sporting activity.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for the use of a meniscus implant.
Around 350,000 people in Europe suffer an acute meniscus injury every year. The cause of most structural meniscus damage is trauma to the knee caused by sport and leisure activities.
Such meniscus damage should definitely be treated. Otherwise, the final stage of the meniscus injury can lead to the development of osteoarthritis (cartilage wear in the knee joint).
If the meniscus is worn out and worn down, the remaining tissue can no longer be repaired.
In this situation, replacement of the removed areas of the meniscus is desirable. Possible options for replacing the damaged meniscus include
The anatomy of the knee joint and the location of the menisci, which act as a buffer between the upper and lower parts of the joint © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
The use of collagen meniscus implants (CMI) is a relatively new procedure. These meniscus implants serve as a resorbable scaffold for the body's own cartilage tissue to grow into. Resorbable means that the body can break it down itself.
The collagen meniscus consists of highly purified collagen and has a sponge-like structure. In this way, medicine makes use of the body's ability to regenerate tissue. The shape of the artificial meniscus is based on the human inner or outer meniscus.
The artificial meniscus is implanted arthroscopically, i.e. minimally invasively. The surgeon sutures the implant in the area of the removed meniscus tissue. The porous structure of the implant serves as a guide rail for the ingrowth of new tissue.
As a result, new endogenous cells settle in the artificial meniscus. They form a new meniscus-like tissue. After approximately one year, the artificial meniscus implant is largely degraded and replaced by the patient's own tissue.
Clinical studies from the USA and Europe show that the meniscus implant supports the growth of new tissue. Treatment with the collagen meniscus implant significantly reduces pain. With the meniscus implant, patients regain a level of activity that is comparable to that before the meniscus injury.
To date, more than 1,400 patients worldwide have been successfully operated on with the meniscus implant. These were primarily people who placed great value on regaining their sporting activity.
For this regenerative method to be successful, however, patients must follow their doctors' instructions precisely. This also includes having the necessary patience. It takes time for new tissue cells to grow into the meniscus implant.
The period of aftercare following the implantation of an artificial meniscus extends over six months.
At the beginning, the patient slowly and continuously increases the load and range of motion. After two months, the patient can usually put full weight on the operated knee again.
The patient now begins training for their usual sporting activities. After around six months, they can resume their usual sporting activities.
Some meniscus injuries are so severe that only the use of a meniscus implant can help © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
The implantation of a collagen meniscus is currently the only method for the biological regeneration of lost or injured meniscus tissue and the restoration of the actual function of the meniscus.
From a medical point of view, theprerequisites for the success of this meniscus implant operation and successful ingrowth are
Overall, the available publications do not provide any information on the long-term results of
of artificial meniscus implants. However, the findings in very small groups are encouraging. It may therefore be worthwhile for affected patients to contact a center experienced with the method.
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