Clinical Research Directory

Comparing Meniscal Repair Biologic Augmentation: Marrow Venting Procedure Versus PRP (MVP Trial)

There are no current or past RCT comparing biologic augments for meniscal repair. There is good data supporting both the use of BMVP of the intercondylar notch and intra-articular PRP injections for augmentation of meniscal repair. However, the effectiveness of these augmentation methods with respect to each other has never been investigated. The knowledge gained will allow us to potentially influence and adapt protocols to treat this particular patient population. Additionally, resources available at our institution provide a supportive framework with which to maintain contact with patients after hospital discharge. These key factors will allow us to perform a robust analysis of this population, to include outcomes measures of function as well as meniscal repair failure and reoperation rate. The proposed interventional aim to compare meniscal repair augmentation methods is novel, as the direct comparison of these outcome measures has not been previously described. Because of the known benefit of biologic augmentation of meniscal repair, the investigators hypothesize that the repair failure rate for both cohorts will be lower than the reported repair failure rate for isolated tears without biologic augmentation; the investigators also hypothesize that BMVP of the intercondylar notch will clinically be significantly better than intra-articular PRP injection. The basis behind this hypothesis is in vivo evidence as well as a small RCT supporting the use of BMVP as augmentation for meniscal repair procedures.

Semitendinosus Autograft vs Meniscal Allograft in Post-Meniscectomy Syndrome

This multicenter, stratified, partially randomized clinical trial aims to compare autologous semitendinosus tendon graft and meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in young adults with post-meniscectomy syndrome. The meniscus plays a critical role in load distribution, shock absorption, and joint stability. After meniscectomy, insufficient meniscal tissue often leads to persistent pain, swelling, and functional decline, increasing the risk of early osteoarthritis. Two reconstructive strategies are clinically available: MAT provides immediate biomechanical function but requires donor matching and carries higher costs, while autologous tendon graft offers stable supply and no immunologic risk but lacks long-term clinical validation. In this study, 40 patients aged 18-45 years will be enrolled. Participants will be allocated into four groups (randomized MAT, randomized autograft, patient-preference MAT, patient-preference autograft). All procedures will use a two-tunnel fixation technique with additional internal brace support. The primary endpoint is the improvement in KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) at 24 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints include MRI-based assessment of graft morphology and extrusion, reoperation rate, complications, patient satisfaction, and return-to-sport time. This trial will provide critical evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness and feasibility of tendon autograft versus meniscal allograft in real-world clinical settings, potentially informing surgical decision-making and future treatment guidelines for post-meniscectomy syndrome.

This is a Study to Verify if Marrow Venting Procedure Can Improve Meniscal Suture Healing

Meniscal suture represents the current surgical practice, and marrow venting is a low risk procedure. Bone venting may be able to improve the outcome of meniscal repair, allowing the patient a better recovery.

Partial Meniscal Replacement with Spongioflex®

The purpose of this investigator-initiated trial is to evaluate whether the novel graft can prevent/reduce the disadvantages of the previously used replacement materials and shows better results than the group of patients, which were not operated. Since there is currently no alternative made of biological material to this product, this investigator-initiated trial is of great medical and economic importance. The otherwise following arthrosis or knee prosthesis implantation (TKA ) could be prevented or at least postponed. Initial clinical results are promising. An important and sensitive parameter for assessing the postoperative function of the meniscus is the MRI image. Genovese et al. 2007 were able to show in a categorization/classification which magnetic resonance image can be expected in the case of successful incorporation. Several studies have shown that the known clinical knee scores (Lysholm, IKDC, KOOS, VAS pain) improve significantly after successful ingrowth of the meniscus implant.

Nanoscope Cost Analysis Study

The study is a pilot study designed to generate preliminary data regarding the cost of partial meniscectomy using NanoScope versus conventional arthroscopy in a traditional operating room (OR) setting