The University Hospital Sharjah, through its Himchan Spine and Joint Centre, is now conducting Meniscus Allograft Transplantation (MAT) for patients suffering from severe knee conditions as a result of permanently damaged menisci.

A meniscus is a thin fibrous cartilage between the surfaces of some joints like the knee.

The surgery has been found to be effective in 85 per cent of patients treated by the hospital's leading orthopedic surgeon.

MAT is a minimally invasive transplant surgery that uses advanced endoscopy which involves obtaining a C-shaped cartilaginous tissue called meniscus from a donor. It is transplanted into the patient's knee. Since this meniscus is biologically identical to the patient's own, the engraftment rate is remarkably high and there is no transplant rejection.

According to the hospital, the procedure can be done in 90 minutes, and it leaves only a minimal scar. MAT patients can also start walking six weeks after the operation and exercise after three months.