In short
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment approaches for patients who require meniscus operation. This trial is evaluating the use of human cancellous bone transplants for partial meniscal replacement in people with incomplete meniscal loss, aiming to improve knee function and reduce pain.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Human Cancellous Bone for Partial Meniscal Replacement in Patients with Incomplete Meniscal Loss
This clinical trial is investigating a new approach to help people who have lost part of their meniscus, the cushion-like cartilage in the knee that helps stabilize the joint and distribute weight evenly. When part of the meniscus is missing, it can cause pain and affect how well the knee works.
Who can participate:
- Adults between 18 and 60 years of age
- People who have partial loss of the meniscus with pain on the side of the knee where the loss occurred (outer side for lateral meniscus, inner side for medial meniscus)
- Those who have enough of the outer edge of the meniscus remaining for the procedure to be performed
- Individuals willing to provide written consent and agree to have their medical data used in a way that protects their identity
Who cannot participate:
- People outside the specified age range
- Those belonging to vulnerable populations who might need special protection
- Patients who fall into certain clinical trial groups not included in this study
What the trial involves:
The study uses a special type of bone transplant called Spongioflex® Allografts. These are sterile bone grafts taken from donors and designed to replace the missing part of the meniscus. The procedure is performed surgically, with the goal of improving knee function, reducing pain, and helping patients regain better movement and quality of life.
Participants will be carefully monitored over time, with evaluations taking place at several points: at the start of the study, and then again after 2 and 5 years. The researchers will use various measurements to assess how well the treatment works, including questionnaires about knee function and pain levels, as well as MRI scans to look at the size of the meniscus and check for any progression of joint problems. The study will compare results between people who receive the treatment and those who don't, as well as comparing each patient's condition before and after the procedure.
Safety is an important focus of this trial. The research team will carefully track any side effects or complications that might occur. They will also measure patient satisfaction with the treatment at the 2-year and 5-year marks to understand how people feel about their results.
The trial is expected to continue until 2031, which will provide valuable information about both the short-term and long-term benefits and safety of using bone transplants to repair the meniscus. This long-term follow-up is important because it will help doctors understand whether the benefits of the treatment last over many years.
Summary
Currently, only one clinical trial is actively recruiting patients for meniscus operation procedures. This trial is being conducted in Germany and focuses specifically on using donor bone tissue as a treatment option for people with incomplete meniscal loss. The study takes a thorough approach by following patients for up to 5 years, which will provide important insights into how well this treatment works over time and whether it remains safe and effective in the long term. This research may eventually offer a new option for people who have experienced meniscal damage and are looking for ways to improve their knee function and reduce pain.
