scholarly journals Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplants in the Knee: Bipolar and Beyond

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 1172-1179
Author(s):  
James P. Stannard ◽  
James T. Stannard ◽  
Anna J. Schreiner

AbstractKnee patients who have sustained chondral and osteochondral lesions suffer from debilitating pain, which can ultimately lead to posttraumatic osteoarthritis and whole-joint disease. Older, nonactive patients are traditionally steered toward total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but younger, active patients are not good candidates for TKA based on implant longevity, complications, morbidity, and risk for revision, such that treatment strategies at restoring missing hyaline cartilage and bone are highly desired for this patient population. Over the past four decades, fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation has been developed as a treatment method for large (> 2.5 cm2) focal full-thickness articular cartilage lesions. This article documents our own institutional OCA journey since 2016 through enhanced graft preservation techniques (the Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System, or MOPS), technical improvements in surgical techniques, use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate, bioabsorbable pins and nails, and prescribed and monitored patient-specific rehabilitation protocols. Further follow-up with documentation of long-term outcomes will provide insight for continued optimization for future applications for OCA transplantation, potentially including a broader spectrum of patients appropriate for this treatment. Ongoing translational research is necessary to blaze the trail in further optimizing this treatment option for patients.

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 900-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis E.P. Tírico ◽  
Julie C. McCauley ◽  
Pamela A. Pulido ◽  
William D. Bugbee

Background: Cartilage repair algorithms use lesion size to choose surgical techniques when selecting a cartilage repair procedure. The association of fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) size with graft survivorship and subjective patient outcomes is still unknown. Purpose: To determine if lesion size (absolute or relative) affects outcomes after OCA transplantation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study included 156 knees in 143 patients who underwent OCA transplantation from 1998 to 2014 for isolated femoral condyle lesions. The mean age was 29.6 ± 11.4 years, and 62.9% were male. The majority of patients (62.2%) presented for cartilage repair because of osteochondritis dissecans. The mean graft area, used as a surrogate for absolute size of the lesion, was 6.4 cm2 (range, 2.3-11.5 cm2). The relative size of the lesion was calculated as the tibial width ratio (TWR; ratio of graft area to tibial width) and affected femoral condyle ratio (AFCR; ratio of graft area to affected femoral condyle width) using preoperative radiographs. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Further surgical procedures were documented, and graft failure was defined as revision OCA transplantation or conversion to arthroplasty. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) pain, function, and total scores were obtained. Satisfaction with OCA transplantation was assessed. Results: The mean follow-up among patients with grafts remaining in situ was 6.0 years (range, 1.9-16.5 years). The OCA failure rate was 5.8%. Overall survivorship of the graft was 97.2% at 5 years and 93.5% at 10 years. No difference in postoperative outcomes between groups was found in absolute or relative size. Change in IKDC scores (from preoperative to latest follow-up) was greater for knees with large lesions compared to knees with small lesions, among all measurement methods. Overall satisfaction with the results of OCA transplantation was 89.8%. Conclusion: The size of the lesion, either absolute or relative, does not influence outcomes after OCA transplantation for isolated femoral condyle lesions of the knee.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0038
Author(s):  
Gregory F. Pereira ◽  
John Steele ◽  
Amanda N. Fletcher ◽  
Samuel B. Adams ◽  
Ryan B. Clement

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The term osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) refers to any pathology of the talar articular cartilage and corresponding subchondral bone. In general, OLTs can pose a formidable treatment challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon due to the poor intrinsic ability of cartilage to heal as well as the tenuous vascular supply to the talus. Although many treatment options exist, including microfracture, retrograde drilling, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) these options may be inadequate to treat large cartilage lesions. Osteochondral allografts have demonstrated promise as the primary treatment for OLTs with substantial cartilage and bone involvement. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of outcomes after fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for OLTs. Methods: PudMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Medline were searched using PRISMA guidelines. Studies that evaluated outcomes in adult patients after fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for chondral defects of the talus were included. Operative results, according to standardized scoring systems, such as the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot scale and the Visual Analog Scale were compared across various studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Coleman methodology score. Results: There were a total of 12 eligible studies reporting on 191 patients with OLTs with an average follow-up of 56.8 months (range 6-240). The mean age was 37.5 (range 17-74) years and the overall graft survival rate was 86.6%. The AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot score was obtained pre- and postoperatively in 6 of the 12 studies and had significant improvements in each (P<0.05). Similarly, the VAS pain score was evaluated in 5 of the 12 studies and showed significant decreases (P<0.05) from pre- to postoperatively with an aggregate mean preoperative VAS score of 7.3 and an aggregate postoperative value of 2.6. The reported short-term complication rate was 0%. The overall failure rate was 13.4% and 21.6% percent of patients had subsequent procedures. Conclusion: The treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus remains a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. From this systematic review, one can conclude that osteochondral allograft transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the talus results in predictably favorable outcomes with an impressive graft survival rate and high satisfaction rates at intermediate follow-up. [Table: see text]


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0013
Author(s):  
Samuel Adams ◽  
Nicholas Allen ◽  
James Nunley ◽  
Mark Easley

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Large osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) can be difficult to treat. Although many treatment options exist, fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation has demonstrated promise as the primary treatment for OLTs with substantial cartilage and bone involvement as well as a secondary treatment option after failure of other cartilage repair techniques. Fresh osteochondral allografts are size-matched from organ donors and, in theory, have healthy articular cartilage and bone. However, the quality of allograft cartilage and bone has never been examined with respect to the OLT cartilage and bone being replaced. The purpose of this study was to perform a matched comparison of the cartilage and bone from patients OLTs to the fresh osteochondral allograft replacement. Methods: Discarded intact osteochondral specimens were collected from 8 patients undergoing surgery for an OLT. The specimens included the excised OLT and a portion of the fresh allograft replacement that the same patient received at the time of surgery. Histologic analysis was performed. The safranin-o histology was then scored using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) histopathology grading and staging system. In this system the grade determines cartilage and bone destruction on a scale of 0 to 6.5, the stage determines the percentage of involvement in the specimen on a scale of 0 to 4, and the total score is the grade multiplied by the stage. The surface roughness was also compared between the OLT and allograft cartilage using ImageJ software (NIH). Paired t-tests were performed on the ICRS grade, stage, and total score, and surface roughness comparing the OLTs and allografts. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Gross histological inspection of the samples demonstrated cartilage erosion and subchondral bone destruction in the OLTs. In constrast, the osteochondral allografts demonstrated intact cartilage surface and normal subchondral bone in the allografts (Figure 1). The ICRS grade, stage, and total score were significantly higher in the implanted allografts compared to the resected OLTs (Figure 2); indicating better cartilage and bone morphology for the allografts compared to the OLTs. In fact, the mean grade and stage for the allograft samples were both less than a score of 1 which corresponds to healthy cartilage and bone with less than 10% surface fibrillations. Moreover, the surface roughness of the allograft cartilage was significantly smoother than the OLT cartilage. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that the use of fresh allograft transplantation for the treatment of OLTs replaces the damaged cartilage and bone with normal or near normal cartilage and bone. The replacement of damaged cartilage and subchondral bone with normal or near normal cartilage and bone may be the reason for improved pain relief and functional outcomes after fresh allograft transplantation for OLTs.


Cartilage ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme C. Gracitelli ◽  
Luis Eduardo Passarelli Tirico ◽  
Julie C. McCauley ◽  
Pamela A. Pulido ◽  
William D. Bugbee

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes and allograft survivorship among patients with knee fracture who underwent fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation as a salvage treatment option. Design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at one hospital. Patients Fresh OCAs were implanted for osteochondral lesions after knee fracture in 24 males and 15 females with an average age of 34 years. Twenty-nine lesions (74%) were tibial plateau fractures, 6 (15%) were femoral condyle fractures, and 4 (10%) were patella fractures. Main Outcome Measurements Clinical evaluation included modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel (18-point), International Knee Documentation Committee, and Knee Society function scores, and patient satisfaction. Failure of OCA was defined as revision OCA or conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Results Nineteen of 39 knees (49%) had further surgery. Ten knees (26%) were considered OCA failures (3 OCA revisions, 6 TKA, and 1 patellectomy). Survivorship of the OCA was 82.6% at 5 years and 69.6% at 10 years. Among the 29 knees (74%) that had the OCA still in situ, median follow-up was 6.6 years. Pain and function improved from preoperative to latest follow-up; 83% of patients reported satisfaction with OCA results. Conclusion OCA transplantation is a useful salvage treatment option for osteochondral lesions caused by knee fracture. Although the reoperation rate was high, successful outcome was associated with significant clinical improvement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin D. Orr ◽  
John C. Dunn ◽  
Kenneth A. Heida ◽  
Nicholas A. Kusnezov ◽  
Brian R. Waterman ◽  
...  

Introduction. Structural fresh osteochondral allograft transfer is an appropriate treatment option for large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), specifically lesions involving the shoulder of the talus. Sparse literature exists regarding functional outcome following this surgery in high-demand populations. Materials and Methods. Over a 2-year period, a single surgeon performed 8 structural allograft transfers for treatment of large OLTs in an active duty US military population. Lesion morphology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stage were recorded. Preoperative and latest postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle and pain visual analog scores were compared. Results. Eight male service members with mean age 34.4 years underwent structural allograft transfer for OLTs with mean MRI stage of 4.9 and a mean lesion volume of 2247.1 mm3. Preoperative mean AOFAS hindfoot-ankle score was 49.6, and mean pain visual analog score was 6.9. At mean follow-up of 28.5 months, postoperative mean AOFAS score was 73, and mean pain visual analog score was 4.5, representing overall improvements of 47% and 35%, respectively. Three patients were considered treatment failures secondary to continued ankle disability (2) or graft resorption requiring ankle arthrodesis. Conclusions. Despite modest improvements in short-term functional outcome scores, large osteochondral lesions requiring structural allograft transfer remain difficult to treat, particularly in high-demand patient populations. Surgeons should counsel patients preoperatively on realistic expectations for return to function following structural allograft transfer procedures. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective study


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 709-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gokhan Meric ◽  
Guilherme C. Gracitelli ◽  
Simon Görtz ◽  
Allison J. De Young ◽  
William D. Bugbee

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0050
Author(s):  
William Bugbee

Objectives: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation of the knee is an effective treatment for chondral and osteochondral lesions, but graft survivorship and clinical outcomes vary by patient-specific factors. Fresh OCA are often used for large or complex lesions or in the revision cartilage repair setting, but recent literature suggests that the most ideal candidates for OCA transplantation may be young patients with a small lesion on the femoral condyle or trochlea due to osteochondritis dissecans or chondral trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes following OCA transplantation in a cohort of “ideal” candidates. Methods: We identified 91 patients (97 knees) who underwent primary OCA transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans (88%) or a traumatic chondral injury (12%), were age 30 years or younger, and had an isolated lesion(s) of the femoral condyle or trochlea less than 8 cm2. Mean age was 20 years and 70% were male. Lesions were located on the femoral condyle (85%) or trochlea (15%). One graft was used in 85% of knees and two grafts were used in 15%. Mean total graft area was 5.2 cm2. Evaluation included pain, function, satisfaction, and reoperations. OCA failure was defined as revision allografting or conversion to arthroplasty. Median follow-up was 5.7 years (range 2-17 years). Results: Seventeen knees (18%) underwent reoperations. Two knees (2%) were classified as OCA failures (one revision OCA at 2.7 years and one conversion to unicompartmental arthroplasty at 10.2 years). Survivorship was 99% at 5 and 10 years. Pain and function improved (Table 1.), and 93% of patients were satisfied with the results of the OCA transplantation. Conclusion: In this cohort of “ideal” cartilage repair patients undergoing OCA transplantation, graft survivorship and clinical outcomes were excellent, with high satisfaction, pain relief, and functional improvement. Outcomes were equal or superior to other cartilage repair techniques. [Table: see text]


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0033
Author(s):  
William Bugbee

Objectives: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a valuable treatment option for chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee. Understanding the impact of clinical variables on the outcome of OCA transplantation would be useful for counseling patients on the relative risk of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine which variables predicted treatment failure in a large cohort of patients undergoing OCA transplantation of the knee. Methods: OCA transplantation was performed in 673 knees from 1997 to 2016; 489 had a minimum follow-up of two years. Average age was 32 years and 63% were male. Mean graft size was 8.9 cm2. Reoperations following the OCA transplantations were assessed, and treatment failure was defined as any procedure that involved removal of the allograft. Variables associated with treatment failure in univariate analyses (age, diagnosis, anatomic location, and graft size) were included in a logistic regression model. Results: Treatment failure occurred in 78 knees (16%); 58 conversions to arthroplasty, 19 revision allografting, and 1 patellectomy. Age, diagnosis, and graft size independently predicted a higher risk of failure (Table 1). Patients who were ≥30 years old were 2.4 times more likely than younger patients to experience a treatment failure. Compared to patients with osteochondritis dissecans or traumatic chondral injury, patients with degenerative chondral lesions, avascular necrosis, or osteoarthritis were more likely to have allograft failure. Grafts >8 cm2 were 2.1 times more likely to fail than grafts ≤8 cm2. Anatomic location and number of grafts were associated with failure in univariate analyses, but not after controlling for other variables in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Older age, diagnosis of avascular necrosis or degenerative joint disease, and larger graft size were associated with higher risk of treatment failure. This data is useful in counseling individual patients on the risk of osteochondral allograft surgery. [Table: see text]


Author(s):  
Qida Zhang ◽  
Zhenxian Chen ◽  
Zhongmin Jin ◽  
Orhun K Muratoglu ◽  
Kartik M Varadarajan

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has been shown to provide superior functional outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty and have motivated development of advanced implant designs including bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty. However, few validated frameworks are available to directly compare the effect of implant design and surgical techniques on ligament function and joint kinematics. In the present study, the subject-specific lower extremity models were developed based on musculoskeletal modeling framework using force-dependent kinematics method, and validated against in vivo telemetric data. The experiment data of two subjects who underwent TKA were obtained from the SimTK “Grand Challenge Competition” repository, and integrated into the subject-specific lower extremity model. Five walking gait trials and three different knee implant models for each subject were used as partial inputs for the model to predict knee biomechanics for unicompartmental, bicruciate retaining, and total knee arthroplasty. The results showed no significant differences in the tibiofemoral contact forces or angular kinematic parameters between three groups. However, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty demonstrated significantly more posterior tibial location between 0% and 40% of the gait cycle ( p < 0.017). Significant differences in range of tibiofemoral anterior/posterior translation and medial/lateral translation were also observed between unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty ( p < 0.017). Peak values of anterior cruciate ligament forces differed between unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty from 10% to 30% of the gait cycle. Findings of this study indicate that unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty do not have identical biomechanics and point to the complementary role of anterior cruciate ligament and articular geometry in guiding knee function. Further, the patient-specific musculoskeletal model developed provides a reliable framework for assessing new implant designs, and effect of surgical techniques on knee biomechanics following arthroplasty.


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