A Current Update on Meniscal Scaffolds

There are currently 2 scaffold products designed for reconstruction or substitution of partial meniscal defects that are commercially available outside the United Sates and in Europe: the Collagen Meniscal Implant (CMI) (Ivy Sports Medicine, Gräfelfing, Germany), and the Actifit polymer scaffold (Orteq Bioengineering, London, UK). There is evidence showing that CMI provides improved clinical outcomes compared with baseline in patients with chronic postmeniscectomy symptoms with follow-up ranging from 5 to 10 years. Some comparative studies demonstrate improved clinical scores in patients with chronic medial meniscus symptoms treated with CMI vs repeat partial meniscectomy and a lower reoperation rate. Preliminary published data appears to be promising, however, there are currently no medium- or long-term data available for the Actifit polymer scaffold. The authors' surgical indications for meniscal scaffold implantation, preferred surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol are described.