After having a meniscus transplanted to my knee, my surgeon strongly encouraged me to completely avoid distance running and sports that require cutting or pivoting. Why all the fuss?

In a recent study of this relatively new procedure, about a third of the transplants tore within three years after surgery. Most tears were due to some sort of trauma. These torn transplant had to be partly or totally removed.

Researchers think the transplants may be prone to tear because the transplanted meniscus doesn't develop as many cells compared to a normal meniscus. And the cells that are present don't produce as many nutrients. Heavy and repeated strains put the transplanted tissue at an even greater risk of tearing. Until more is known about the long-term results of this procedure, it's a good idea to strictly follow your surgeon's recommendations.