Meniscus Transplantation
An advanced procedure to replace a severely damaged or previously removed meniscus with a size-matched donor graft — restoring shock absorption and protecting the knee from progressive arthritis.
What is Meniscus Transplantation?
Meniscus Transplantation replaces a severely damaged or previously removed meniscus with a size-matched donor graft. When a large portion of the meniscus is absent, the knee loses its shock-absorbing cushion, placing harmful stress directly on the cartilage surface and accelerating arthritis. The procedure is carefully planned — precise knee measurements are taken pre-operatively to select a donor meniscus of the correct size and shape, ensuring optimal fit and function inside the joint.
SUITABLE FOR Younger, active patients who have had a significant portion of the meniscus removed, have relatively healthy remaining cartilage, and experience ongoing knee pain — where transplantation can delay arthritis and restore joint comfort.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Planning & Donor Matching
MRI confirms cartilage status; precise knee measurements are taken to select a size-matched donor meniscus; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Arthroscopic Access
Small incisions allow insertion of the arthroscope, giving full visualisation of the joint interior to guide precise graft placement.
Recipient Site Preparation
Remaining damaged meniscus tissue is removed and joint surfaces are prepared to receive the transplant with correct anatomical positioning.
Donor Meniscus Preparation
The donor graft is trimmed and shaped to match the patient's knee dimensions for a precise, functional fit.
Graft Placement & Fixation
The donor meniscus is positioned and secured with sutures and fixation devices to ensure stable integration and correct load transmission.
Inspection & Wound Closure
Placement, alignment, and joint movement are confirmed; incisions are closed and the knee is protected with a brace during the healing phase.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Restores the meniscus's essential cushioning and load-distribution function
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Reduces chronic knee pain caused by meniscus absence
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Protects remaining cartilage from accelerated wear
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Delays or reduces the risk of requiring knee replacement surgery
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Allows younger, active patients to maintain a more active lifestyle
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Physio-guided recovery supports long-term joint health
“Meniscus transplantation is a highly specialised procedure, but for the right patient — typically a younger individual with significant meniscus loss — it can be transformative. Restoring the meniscus protects the cartilage and significantly extends the long-term health of the knee.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Meniscus Transplantation Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Meniscus Transplantation in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,00,000, with an indicative average cost of around ₹3,75,000. Meniscus transplantation may be considered in selected younger patients with significant meniscus deficiency and persistent symptoms following previous meniscectomy. The final cost depends on the condition of the knee, graft requirements, surgical technique, fixation implants, associated procedures, hospitalisation and rehabilitation.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Meniscus Transplantation | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
The above range is indicative; the final package and inclusions should be confirmed with the hospital before publication. Meniscus transplantation is considered only for selected patients. Suitability may depend on age, activity level, knee alignment, cartilage condition, ligament stability, extent of meniscus deficiency and overall joint health.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Meniscus Transplantation
The overall cost of meniscus transplantation can vary depending on the extent of meniscus deficiency, graft requirements, knee alignment and cartilage condition, fixation method, associated procedures and postoperative rehabilitation.
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Meniscus deficiency: The extent and location of the missing or damaged meniscal tissue can influence the transplantation technique and surgical planning.
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Graft selection and availability: The type, size and availability of the meniscal graft can significantly affect the overall treatment cost.
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Knee alignment: Abnormal limb alignment may affect graft suitability and, in selected cases, may require additional corrective treatment before or along with transplantation.
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Cartilage condition: The condition of the articular cartilage is an important consideration because advanced cartilage damage may affect whether meniscus transplantation is appropriate.
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Ligament stability: ACL, PCL or other ligament instability may need to be assessed and, when clinically indicated, treated as part of the overall treatment plan.
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Fixation implants: The number and type of fixation devices required to secure the transplanted meniscus may influence implant-related expenses.
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Associated procedures: Cartilage procedures, ligament reconstruction, osteotomy or other knee procedures may be required in selected patients and can increase the final cost.
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Preoperative investigations: X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and other investigations may be required to assess the knee and plan treatment. These may be billed separately if not included in the package.
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Rehabilitation: Meniscus transplantation generally requires a structured and prolonged rehabilitation programme with protected weight-bearing and gradual progression of knee movement and strength. Physiotherapy costs may be separate.
Insurance Coverage for Meniscus Transplantation
Meniscus Transplantation may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary and eligible under the patient's policy, subject to policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods, insurer approval and hospital coverage arrangements. Patients should confirm pre-authorisation requirements, graft and implant coverage, package inclusions and applicable out-of-pocket expenses with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients with meniscus deficiency and persistent knee symptoms and help determine whether meniscus transplantation is appropriate based on clinical examination, imaging and the overall condition of the knee. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Knee symptoms: The doctor may review pain, swelling, catching, locking, instability and difficulty with activities such as walking, squatting, climbing stairs or sports. Previous meniscus surgery: The extent of previous meniscectomy and the remaining meniscal tissue may be reviewed to understand the degree of meniscus deficiency. Cartilage condition: MRI and other imaging findings may be assessed to determine the condition of the articular cartilage and identify signs of established arthritis. Knee alignment: Leg alignment may be evaluated because significant malalignment can affect load distribution across the knee and may influence treatment planning. Ligament stability: The ACL, PCL and collateral ligaments may be assessed for instability that could affect the suitability or sequencing of transplantation. Imaging findings: X-rays and MRI scans may be reviewed to evaluate the joint space, cartilage, meniscal deficiency, bone condition and other structural factors. Treatment suitability: Based on the overall findings, the doctor may discuss meniscus transplantation and other appropriate treatment options, including cartilage treatment, ligament reconstruction or alignment correction when clinically indicated.
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