The menisci are two wedge-shaped cartilage pieces located between the thighbone and shinbone, which act to stabilize the knee joint and act as shock absorbers. A sudden bend or twist in your knee can cause the meniscus to tear. A meniscus tear is the most common knee injury in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports. The elderly are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.

Treatment of a meniscal tear depends on its type, severity, and location of the tear. Non-surgical options for the treatment of meniscal tears may include rest, ice, bandages, elevation, and physical therapy. In older patients, a badly damaged meniscus may have to be removed and replaced. However, in younger patients, a meniscal transplantation may be a solid alternative. 

Usually performed arthroscopically, meniscal transplantation replaces the damaged meniscus of the knee with healthy donor cartilage to reduce pain and prevent arthritic changes in the knee. Additional procedures like ligament or cartilage repair may also be performed at the same time depending on the severity and nature of the damage.