Description
Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term outcomes of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in soccer players
Methods:
All patients undergoing MAT at Mutualidad de Futbolistas (Barcelona, Spain) between 2001-2022 were approached for eligibility. A total of 105 soccer players were identified in the study period. Ninety percent of patients were operated using a MAT without bone plug. Phone calls were conducted in all of them to collect cross-sectional data on: return-to-play, current activity level (Tegner), and Lysholm score. Fifty-two (50%) could be found for the follow-up.
Results:
There mean age at surgery 25'8 years and the mean follow-up 16'1 years. A total of 37 (71%) players could return to play. The reasons to not return to play in the other 15 (29%) of patients was medical advice. Sixty-five percent of patients could return to the same pre-injury level. At last follow-up, the Tegner score was: 10 in 1 patient, 9 in 3 patients, 8 in 1 patients, 7 in 1 patient, 6 in 1 patient, 5 in 7 patients, 4 in 9 patients, 2 in 1 patient, and 1 in 13 patients. The mean Lysholm score was 77'5.
Conclusion:
MAT allows an acceptable rate of return to play. However, patients must be advised that only 65% of players will be able to return to the same pre-injury level.
