Collagen Meniscus Implant

The number of patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has continued to increase. However, this is potentially not a benign procedure, as there are increased contact pressures on the articular cartilage even with the removal of only a segment of the meniscus.

The Collagen Meniscus Implant (CMI, Ivy Sports Medicine) is a resorbable and biocompatible Type I collagen matrix that was developed to restore the segmental loss of meniscal tissue in the knee. It consists of a porous cross-linked matrix scaffold that allows for the ingrowth of the body’s own cells. The CMI is the only meniscal implant composed of purely biological materials and is available in an off-the-shelf supply.

The CMI is available in the United States for use in the restoration of segmental loss of the medial meniscus. The CMI can be utilized in either an acute or chronic situation. In the acute case, it would be indicated when the medial meniscus is irreparable, and that segment must be removed. In the chronic case, the patient would have had a previous partial meniscectomy and/or failed meniscus repair and had developed either pain or signs of early articular cartilage wear in the compartment. The procedure can be done arthroscopically and as an outpatient. The CMI can be kept on the shelf to be available as needed; it has a 2-year shelf life. There are specialized instruments for measuring the length of implant needed and for delivery of the implant.