Conemaugh - Western PA Orthopedics team completes hospital’s first meniscal transplant

Conemaugh Health System announced today that a team from its Western PA Orthopedics practice completed the first meniscal transplant surgery at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

Led by Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Richard Goodrich Jr., DO, MS, MBA, the team, including Darren Lester, Certified Surgical Technician, and Louis Koharchik, Certified Surgical First Assistant, performed the transplant on a teenage patient with a meniscal deficient knee.

"This transformative procedure not only represents a significant advancement in orthopedic care but also underscores our hospital's commitment to providing cutting-edge medical solutions to our community," said Dr. Goodrich.

Meniscal transplant surgery is a type of surgery that replaces a missing or damaged meniscus with a meniscus from a cadaver donor. The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion of cartilage in the knee joint. When people talk about "torn cartilage" in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.

If the meniscus is so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired, it may need to be removed or trimmed out. This is called a partial meniscectomy and is often effective in relieving the pain of a meniscus tear.

When the meniscus is largely gone, however, persistent knee pain and or osteoarthritis can develop. For many older patients with this condition, a total or partial joint replacement might be the right option. However active people who are younger than 40 may be eligible for a meniscal transplant surgery.

"Having such a unique and high-level surgery available locally means that our patients can receive world-class treatment without the need to travel far from home. This milestone is a testament to our dedication to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for the people of our community."

Offered only at advanced sports centers with specialized teams and equipment, the surgery is just one of the numerous minimally invasive arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures provided by Western PA Orthopedics at Conemaugh.

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is accredited through the Joint Commission receiving the Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Certification. The hospital has also received a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Surgery accreditation from Highmark. For more information, visit Conemaugh.org or call 814.255.6781.