The Meniscal Transplant surgery or Optimised Rehabilitation - Full Randomised Trial (MeTeOR2)

The meniscus is an important structure within the knee. One of its key roles is to cushion impact and protect the gliding surface of the joint from wear. Patients that have damaged their meniscus, and had a removal of the meniscus (a total meniscectomy), are more likely to develop persistent pain after this resulting in years of disability.

At present, there are several treatment options ranging from knee therapy (physiotherapy) to a replacement meniscus also known as a 'meniscal transplant'. Meniscal transplant is thought to provide cushioning to the joint surfaces and improve symptoms but it has a long recovery period and the operation carries risk of surgery as well as not helping with symptoms. At present, there is no direct evidence that meniscal transplant is better or worse, than a specific targeted rehabilitation and therapy program.

In this study, we will compare two treatments for patients with a total meniscectomy. One group of patients will have a course of personalised knee therapy and the other group will have a meniscal transplant. In total a 144 participants will be recruited from 12 NHS Trusts and 3 international sites and followed up for 24 months post randomisation.

144 participants from 12 NHS Trust and internationally, in Belgium, Canada and Australia