Meniscal allograft transplantation and scaffolds: a narrative review

Meniscal tears are the most common intra-articular knee injury, especially among young active individuals. While meniscal preservation is preferred, complex tears often require partial or total meniscectomy. Removing meniscal tissue alters biomechanics, reduces contact area, increases stress, and ultimately accelerates cartilage degeneration, raising the risk of osteoarthritis. To address symptomatic post-meniscectomy syndrome, meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and meniscal scaffolds have emerged as reconstructive options, each addressing distinct patterns of meniscal deficiency. This chapter aims to provide a narrative review of current literature on MAT and meniscal scaffolds, including advances in implant technologies and clinical outcomes.