Early Clinical Outcomes Associated with a Novel Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation System in the Knee

Background. Osteochondral defects of the knee are a common finding at the time of arthroscopic intervention. Purpose/Hypothesis. To report our outcomes after utilizing a new technique of osteochondral allograft transplantation for focal cartilage defects. Study Design. Case series. Methods. All patients treated with osteochondral allograft transplantation with a Zimmer Chondrofix plug (Zimmer Inc., Warsaw, IN) for focal cartilage defects over a 12-month period were followed up at a minimum of 24 months. Failures were documented and radiographs were evaluated. Results. 61 knees (58 patients) underwent grafting. Three cases were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 58 cases the average age was 40 (range 18–59). At a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 24–36), there were 5 failures requiring further surgery. Mean KOOS scores in the Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sports, and Quality of Life dimensions were 82, 79, 84, 66, and 58, respectively. Radiographs demonstrated maintenance of the subchondral bone without graft absorption or subsidence. Conclusions. Our observations suggest that osteochondral allograft transplantation leads to a satisfactory activity level and function at early follow-up while avoiding the inherent complexities associated with other cartilage restoration techniques. Longer follow-up is warranted to monitor the subchondral bone, articular surface, and patient outcome measures.

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Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in Patients Aged 40 Years and Older

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517741465 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 581-589 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Dean Wang ◽

Vivek Kalia ◽

Claire D. Eliasberg ◽

Tim Wang ◽

Francesca R. Coxe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Short Form ◽

Case Series ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Allograft Transplantation

Background: Treatment of large chondral defects of the knee among patients aged ≥40 years remains a difficult clinical challenge owing to preexisting joint degeneration and the lack of treatment options short of arthroplasty. Purpose: To characterize the survivorship, predictors of failure, and clinical outcomes of osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee among patients aged ≥40 years. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospectively collected data were reviewed for 54 consecutive patients aged ≥40 years who were treated with OCA. Preoperative levels of osteoarthritis (according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and meniscal volume and quality were graded from review of radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. Complications, reoperations, and patient responses to validated outcome measures were reviewed. A minimum follow-up of 2 years was required for analysis. Failure was defined by any removal or revision of the allograft or conversion to arthroplasty. Results: Among 51 patients (mean age, 48 years; range, 40-63 years; 65% male), a total of 52 knees had symptomatic focal cartilage lesions (up to 2 affected areas) that were classified as Outerbridge grade 4 at the time of OCA and did not involve substantial bone loss requiring shell allografts or additional bone grafting. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 2-11 years). After OCA, 21 knees (40%) underwent reoperation, including 14 failures (27%) consisting of revision OCA (n = 1), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (n = 5), and total knee arthroplasty (n = 8). Mean time to failure was 33 months, and 2- and 4-year survivorship rates were 88% and 73%, respectively. Male sex (hazard ratio = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.12-27.13) and a higher number of previous ipsilateral knee operations (hazard ratio = 1.70 per increase in 1 surgical procedure, 95% CI = 1.03-2.83) were predictors of failure. A higher Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade on preoperative radiographs was associated with higher failure rates in the Kaplan-Meier analysis but not the multivariate model. At final follow-up, clinically significant improvements were noted in the pain (mean score, 47.8 to 67.6) and physical functioning (56.8 to 79.1) subscales of the Short Form-36, as well as the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (45.0 to 63.6), Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (64.5 to 80.1), and overall condition statement (4.5 to 6.8) ( P < .001). No significant changes were noted for the Marx Activity Rating Scale (5.1 to 3.9, P = .789). Conclusion: A higher failure rate was found in this series of patients aged ≥40 years who were treated with OCA as compared with other studies of younger populations. However, for select older patients, OCA can be a good midterm treatment option for cartilage defects of the knee.

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Midterm Safety of Carbon Dioxide Insufflation of the Knee During Arthroscopic Cartilage–Based Procedures

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211035454 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 232596712110354

Author(s):

Judson L. Penton ◽

Travis R. Flick ◽

Felix H. Savoie ◽

Wendell M. Heard ◽

William F. Sherman

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Electronic Medical Records ◽

Medical Records ◽

Knee Arthroscopy ◽

Case Series ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Systemic Complications ◽

Allograft Transplantation

Background: When compared with fluid arthroscopy, carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation offers an increased scope of view and a more natural-appearing joint cavity, and it eliminates floating debris that may obscure the surgeon’s view. Despite the advantages of CO2 insufflation during knee arthroscopy and no reported cases of air emboli, the technique is not widely used because of concerns of hematogenous gas leakage and a lack of case series demonstrating safety. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate the safety profile of CO2 insufflation during arthroscopic osteochondral allograft transplantation of the knee and report the midterm clinical outcomes using this technique. We hypothesized that patients undergoing CO2 insufflation of the knee joint would have minimal systemic complications, allowing arthroscopic cartilage work in a dry field. Study Design: Case series; level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of electronic medical records for patients who underwent arthroscopic osteochondral allograft transplantation of the knee with the use of CO2 insufflation. Included were patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent knee arthroscopy with CO2 insufflation from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2021, and who had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. All procedures were performed by a single, fellowship-trained and board-certified sports medicine surgeon. The patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed in their entirety for relevant demographic and clinical outcomes. Results: We evaluated 27 patients (14 women and 13 men) with a mean age of 38 and a mean follow-up of 39.2 months. CO2 insufflation was used in 100% of cases during the placement of the osteochondral allograft. None of the patients sustained any systemic complications, including signs or symptoms of gas embolism or persistent subcutaneous emphysema. Conclusion: The results of this case series suggest CO2 insufflation during knee arthroscopy can be performed safely with minimal systemic complications and provide an alternative environment for treating osteochondral defects requiring a dry field in the knee.

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Midterm Results of Fresh-Frozen Osteochondral Allografting for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720949861 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 107110072094986

Author(s):

Chung-Hua Chu ◽

Ing-Ho Chen ◽

Kai-Chiang Yang ◽

Chen-Chie Wang

Keyword(s):

Short Form ◽

Case Series ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Midterm Results ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Fresh Frozen ◽

The Mean

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are relatively common. Following the failure of conservative treatment, many operative options have yielded varied results. In this study, midterm outcomes after fresh-frozen osteochondral allograft transplantation for the treatment of OLT were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-five patients (12 women and 13 men) with a mean age 40.4 (range 18-70) years between 2009 and 2014 were enrolled. Of 25 ankles, 3, 13, 4, and 4 were involved with the talus at Raikin zone 3, 4, 6, and 7 as well as one coexisted with zone 4 and 6 lesion. The mean OLT area was 1.82 cm2 (range, 1.1-3.0). The mean follow-up period was 5.5 years (range, 4-9.3). Outcomes evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale score, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Result: AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 74 preoperatively to 94 at 2 years postoperatively ( P < .001) and the SF-12 physical health component scores increased from 32 to 46 points ( P < .001). Incorporation was inspected in all patients in the latest follow-up, and graft subsidence and radiolucency were observed in 2 and 7 cases, respectively, whereas graft collapse and revision OLT graft were not observed. Bone sclerosis was found in 6 of 25 patients. Conclusion: With respect to midterm results, fresh, frozen-stored allograft transplantation might be an option in the management of symptomatic OLT. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in Patients with an Elevated Body Mass Index

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603518754630 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 214-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Dean Wang ◽

Brian J. Rebolledo ◽

David M. Dare ◽

Mollyann D. Pais ◽

Matthew R. Cohn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Short Form ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Elevated Body Mass Index ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Patient Responses

Objective To characterize the graft survivorship and clinical outcomes of osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI). Design Prospective data on 38 consecutive patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 treated with OCA from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. Complications, reoperations, and patient responses to validated outcome measures were examined. Failures were defined by any removal/revision of the allograft or conversion to arthroplasty. Results Thirty-one knees in 31 patients (mean age, 35.4 years [range, 17-61 years]; 87% male) met the inclusion criteria. Mean BMI was 32.9 kg/m2 (range, 30-39 kg/m2). Mean chondral defect size was 6.4 cm2 (range, 1.0-15.3 cm2). Prior to OCA, 23 patients (74%) had undergone previous surgery to the ipsilateral knee. Mean duration of follow-up was 4.1 years (range, 2-11 years). After OCA, 5 knees (13%) underwent conversion to unicompartmental (1) or total (4) knee arthroplasty. Two- and 5-year graft survivorship were 87% and 83%, respectively. At final follow-up, clinically significant improvements were noted in the pain (49.3-72.6) and physical functioning (52.9-81.3) subscales of the Short Form–36 ( P ≤ 0.001), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (43.5-67.0; P = 0.002), Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (58.2-80.4; P = 0.002), and overall condition subscale of the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (4.7-6.9; P = 0.046). Conclusions OCA can be a successful midterm treatment option for focal cartilage defects of the knee in select patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2.

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Osteochondral allograft transplantation for large Hill-Sachs lesions: a retrospective case series with a minimum 2-year follow-up

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-019-1366-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hongwu Zhuo ◽

Yangkai Xu ◽

Fugui Zhu ◽

Ling Pan ◽

Jian Li

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Satisfaction Rate ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Constant Murley Score ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Graft Resorption

Abstract Purpose To investigate the clinical outcomes after osteochondral allograft transplantation for large Hill-Sachs lesions. Methods Patients who underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation for large Hill-Sachs lesions were identified. Clinical assessment consisted of active range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Constant-Murley score, Rowe score, and patient satisfaction rate. Radiographic assessment was performed with CT scan. Results Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 21.7 years. The mean preoperative size of the Hill-Sachs lesion was 35.70 ± 3.02%. The mean follow-up was 27.8 months. All grafts achieved union at an average of 3.47 months after surgery. At the final follow-up, graft resorption was observed in 43.1% of patients. The average size of residual humeral head articular arc loss was 12.31 ± 2.79%. Significant improvements (P < .001) were observed for the active ROM, ASES score, Constant-Murley score, and Rowe score. The overall satisfaction rate was 94.7%. No significant difference was found between the resorption group and the nonresorption group in postoperative clinical outcomes. Conclusion Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful treatment option for patients with large Hill-Sachs lesions. Although the incidence of graft resorption may be relatively high, the clinical outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up are favorable. Level of evidence Level IV, case series

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Clinical Outcomes of ProChondrix® Osteochondral Allograft in the Knee: A Case Series

10.21203/rs.3.rs-625313/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michael S. Barnum ◽

Evan D. Boyd ◽

Annabelle P. Davey ◽

Andrew Slauterbeck ◽

James R. Slauterbeck

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cartilage Defect ◽

Femoral Condyle ◽

Case Series ◽

Activity Level ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Cartilage Restoration ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract PurposeFocal articular cartilage injuries are common and may lead to progression of osteoarthritis. The complications associated with traditional treatment strategies have influenced the development of new biotechnologies, such as the ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft. Clinical evidence on the outcomes associated with ProChondrix® osteochondral allografts are limited. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients who underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft has been performed. Patients completed patient-reported outcome surveys which included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), consisting of the 5 subscales of Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sports and Recreation, and Quality of Life, the Marx Activity Scale, and the visual analog pain scale.ResultsSix patients underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® between January 2016 and December 2019. Three males and three females were included with a median age of 33.5 years (range 18–48 years). The median follow-up duration was 15 months (range 9–24 months). There were 4 patellar grafts, 1 medial femoral condyle graft, and 1 lateral femoral condyle graft, with a median defect size of 18.5mm (range 13-20mm). At the most recent clinical follow-up, all six patients were pain free and all patients had returned to pre-op activity level.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to report the clinical outcome, activity level, and patient orientated outcomes in a case series of patients following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant. Our study demonstrates promising short-term results in patient reported clinical outcome scores.

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Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation as Treatment for Unsalvageable Osteochondritis Dissecans: 10- to 25-Year Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520908588 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (5) ◽

pp. 1134-1140 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

James L. Carey ◽

Kevin G. Shea ◽

Anders Lindahl ◽

Haris S. Vasiliadis ◽

Carl Lindahl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽

Open Surgery ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Case Series ◽

Activity Level ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background: An unsalvageable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) fragment has been defined as one that cannot be saved. Unsalvageable OCD lesions have been treated with various techniques, including fragment excision, microfracture, osteochondral autograft transfer, fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Hypothesis: Patients who underwent ACI as treatment for unsalvageable OCD more than 10 years ago would maintain satisfactory patient-oriented outcome measures and have a low need for additional open surgery, especially arthroplasty. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All Swedish and Norwegian patients (59 patients with 67 OCD lesions) who underwent ACI for OCD under the direction of the senior author between 1990 and 2005 were identified through manual chart review. Features of the patient, OCD lesion, and surgery were extracted from the medical record and intraoperative photographs. Patients were sent questionnaires to assess the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner-Wallgren activity score, and Lysholm score. In addition, patients were asked whether they had to undergo further surgery, including knee replacement, of the knee that underwent ACI. They were asked whether they would have the surgery again if in the same situation. Results: A total of 55 patients (93%) with 61 OCD lesions (91%) responded. The median follow-up duration was 19 years (range, 10-26 years) and the median age at follow-up was 43 years (range, 28-69 years). Subsequent arthroscopy was performed in the majority of cases, although many of these were scheduled “second looks” as part of a study. With respect to other subsequent surgery, 12 knees (20%) underwent any additional open surgery, but only 2 knees (3%) underwent arthroplasty. Eight knees (13%) underwent revision ACI. Most patients reached their preinjury activity level (62%) and would undergo ACI again if in the same situation (85%). If failure is defined as revision of the graft or conversion to arthroplasty, then survivorship after ACI for OCD in the current study would be 87% at 10 years, 85% at 15 years, and 82% at 20 years. Conclusion: ACI for OCD provides a durable treatment option. At a median follow-up of 19 years, there was a very low (~3%) conversion to total knee arthroplasty.

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Bipolar Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Patella and Trochlea

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603518796124 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 431-440 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Raffy Mirzayan ◽

Michael D. Charles ◽

Michael Batech ◽

Brian D. Suh ◽

David DeWitt

Keyword(s):

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Activity Level ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Allograft Transplantation ◽

Radiographic Outcomes ◽

Functional Scores ◽

Patella Dislocations ◽

Group 2

Objective To evaluate clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent bipolar osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCAT) of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). Design Prospectively collected data on 18 knees who underwent fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation of the patella and trochlea by a single surgeon were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: high-grade chondral lesions of PFJ (5 knees), or recurrent patella dislocations with trochlear dysplasia and chondral injury to the patella and/or trochlea (13 knees). Functional scores were obtained preoperatively and at follow-up appointments included Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Oxford, Cincinnati, Tenger-Lysholm, visual analogue scale (VAS)–pain, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Grafts were also evaluated using Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS). Results Three patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 4 knees in group 1, and 11 knees in group 2. Average age was 28.9 years (range 16-52 years). The average follow-up was 33.2 months (range 12-64 months). There was significant improvement of KOOS (from 38.7 to 83.1), IKDC (from 28.2 to 76.6), Tegner-Lysholm (from 38.3 to 88.3), Oxford (from 22.7 to 42.9), Cincinnati (from 35.1 to 83.6), VAS (from 71 to 17.9.), and SANE (from 43.3 to 83) ( P < 0.0001). The OCAMRISS score for patella was 2.23 and for trochlea 4.69. There were no revisions or conversions to arthroplasty Conclusion Bipolar OCAT of the patella and trochlea provide significant improvement in functional outcomes, relief from pain, activity level, and prevent recurrent instability.

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Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: Analysis of Failures at 5 Years

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546516676072 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 864-874 ◽

Cited By ~ 79

Author(s):

Rachel M. Frank ◽

Simon Lee ◽

David Levy ◽

Sarah Poland ◽

Maggie Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Procedures ◽

Short Form ◽

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Case Series ◽

Reoperation Rate ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Arthroscopic Debridement ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Allograft Transplantation

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OAT) is being performed with increasing frequency, and the need for reoperations is not uncommon. Purpose: To quantify survival for OAT and report findings at reoperations. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A review of prospectively collected data of 224 consecutive patients who underwent OAT by a single surgeon with a minimum follow-up of 2 years was conducted. The reoperation rate, timing of reoperation, procedure performed, and findings at surgery were reviewed. Failure was defined by revision OAT, conversion to knee arthroplasty, or gross appearance of graft failure at second-look arthroscopic surgery. Results: A total of 180 patients (mean [±SD] age, 32.7 ± 10.4 years; 52% male) who underwent OAT with a mean follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.7 years met the inclusion criteria (80% follow-up). Of these, 172 patients (96%) underwent a mean of 2.5 ± 1.7 prior surgical procedures on the ipsilateral knee before OAT. Forty-eight percent of OAT procedures were isolated, while 52% were performed with concomitant procedures including meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) in 65 (36%). Sixty-six patients (37%) underwent a reoperation at a mean of 2.5 ± 2.5 years, with 32% (21/66) undergoing additional reoperations (range, 1-3). Arthroscopic debridement was performed in 91% of patients with initial reoperations, with 83% showing evidence of an intact graft; of these, 9 ultimately progressed to failure at a mean of 4.1 ± 1.9 years. A total of 24 patients (13%) were considered failures at a mean of 3.6 ± 2.6 years after the index OAT procedure because of revision OAT (n = 7), conversion to arthroplasty (n= 12), or appearance of a poorly incorporated allograft at arthroscopic surgery (n = 5). The number of previous surgical procedures was independently predictive of reoperations and failure; body mass index was independently predictive of failure. Excluding the failed patients, statistically and clinically significant improvements were found in the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Short Form–12 physical component summary at final follow-up ( P < .001 for all), with inferior outcomes (albeit overall improved) in patients who underwent a reoperation. Conclusion: In this series, there was a 37% reoperation rate and an 87% allograft survival rate at a mean of 5 years after OAT. The number of previous ipsilateral knee surgical procedures was predictive of reoperations and failure. Of the patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement with an intact graft at the time of arthroscopic surgery, 82% experienced significantly improved outcomes, while 18% ultimately progressed to failure. This information can be used to counsel patients on the implications of a reoperation after OAT.

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Prospective Outcomes of Cryopreserved Osteochondral Allograft for Patellofemoral Cartilage Defects at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603520903420 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 194760352090342

Author(s):

Heath P. Melugin ◽

Taylor J. Ridley ◽

Christopher D. Bernard ◽

Dillen Wischmeier ◽

Jack Farr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Reoperation Rate ◽

Activity Level ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Femoral Trochlea ◽

Second Look ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Tegner Activity Scale

Objective To analyze the clinical outcomes, knee function, and activity level of patients after treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects involving the patellofemoral compartment of the knee with cryopreserved osteochondral allograft. Design Nineteen patients with cartilage defects involving the patellofemoral compartment were treated. The average age was 31 years (range 15-45 years), including 12 females and 7 males. Patients were prospectively followed using validated clinical outcome measures including Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey (VR-12), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Tegner activity scale. Graft incorporation was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or second-look arthroscopy. Results The cartilage defects included the patella ( n = 16) and the femoral trochlea ( n = 3). Mean VR-12 scores increased from 31.6 to 46.3 ( P < 0.01), mean IKDC increased from 40.0 to 69.7 ( P < 0.01), mean KOOS increased from 53.9 to 80.2 ( P < 0.01), and mean Tegner scores increased from 3.0 to 4.9 ( P < 0.01), at average follow-up of 41.9 months (range 24-62 months). Of the 3 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopy, all demonstrated a well-incorporated graft. Mean MOCART score for the 6 patients with follow-up MRI was 62.5 (range 25-85). The reoperation rate was 21.1% and 2 patients (12.5%) experienced progressive patellofemoral osteoarthritis requiring conversion to patellofemoral arthroplasty. Conclusion Patients with unipolar cartilage defects involving the patellofemoral compartment of the knee can have positive outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up after surgical treatment with a cryopreserved osteochondral allograft when concomitant pathology is also addressed, but the reoperation rate is high and bipolar cartilage lesions may increase the failure rate.

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