Resection-Induced Leveling of Elevated Plug Cartilage in Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation of the Knee Achieves Acceptable Clinical Results

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 617-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kohei Nishitani ◽  
Yasuaki Nakagawa ◽  
Shinichiro Nakamura ◽  
Shogo Mukai ◽  
Shinichi Kuriyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Autologous Transplantation ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Second Look ◽  
Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation

Background: Plug protuberance occasionally occurs in osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT). The incongruity of plugs results in poor clinical outcomes, especially in cases of protuberance. However, a surgical procedure to deal with this problem has not been reported. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cartilage resection of elevated plugs, with the hypothesis that patients whose elevated plugs were resected and leveled would achieve clinical outcomes equivalent to those of patients with flush plugs. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Cases (group P) included 22 patients who underwent OAT of the knee and whose plugs showed protuberance greater than 1 mm that was resected with a scalpel to obtain smooth congruity, while controls (group C) included 22 background-matched patients who did not require plug resection. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, IKDC objective grade, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for knee osteoarthritis (JOA knee score) were used preoperatively and at the final follow-up (mean ± SD, 49.3 ± 18.1 months). International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment was used to evaluate lesion healing during the second-look arthroscopy. Results: IKDC subjective scores of group C (82.5 ± 11.8) and group P (82.1± 15.1) showed no difference at the final follow-up. On postoperative IKDC objective grading, 86% of group C and 82% of group P patients were graded as “nearly normal” or better ( P = .639). The mean JOA knee scores of group C (90.9 ± 8.9) and group P (90.1 ± 9.5) did not differ significantly ( P = .647). Nine second-look arthroscopies were performed in group C versus 8 in group P, and all patients had plugs that were graded as “nearly normal” or better by the ICRS Cartilage Repair Assessment. Larger plugs tended to be used in those patients who required resection. Conclusion: Resection of the elevated plug surface did not negatively affect patient outcomes in the midterm follow-up period.

All-Arthroscopic Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis-Aided Repair of a Patellar Cartilage Defect Using Dry Arthroscopy and a Retraction System

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (09) ◽  
pp. 925-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Puszkarz ◽  
Lidia Kosmalska ◽  
Martin Wiewiorski ◽  
Boguslaw Sadlik
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Collagen Matrix ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Patellar Cartilage ◽  
Radiological Data ◽  
Implantation Techniques

AbstractThe technique of all-arthroscopic autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC)-aided repair of patellar cartilage lesions using a retraction system and dry arthroscopy has been recently described. We report the first clinical and radiological data at a short-term follow-up. Twelve patients underwent AMIC-aided cartilage repair for a patellar lesion. All steps of the procedure were performed arthroscopically, which include the use of an intra-articularly placed retraction plate for distraction of the patellofemoral joint and evacuation of saline solution for collagen matrix insertion and fixation. Clinical assessment performed before surgery and at a mean follow-up time of 38 months (range: 24–70) included the following scores: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and visual analog scale (VAS). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at the follow-up examination, including the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score. The mean KOOS and IKDC scores increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 50.3 and 37.4 points preoperatively to 90.1 and 79.4 postoperatively. The VAS score decreased from 7.8 to 2.3 points. Mean MOCART score at follow-up was 58.3 points. Cartilage repair of patellar lesions aided by a retraction system in a dry arthroscopy setup is a promising approach. Further studies are needed to evaluate this procedure and compare it to existing matrix implantation techniques. The level of evidence for the study is 4 (case series).

scholarly journals Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis With Lateral Ligament Stabilization for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Patients With Ankle Instability

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596712110074
Author(s):  
Jakob Ackermann ◽  
Fabio A. Casari ◽  
Christoph Germann ◽  
Lizzy Weigelt ◽  
Stephan H. Wirth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lateral Ligament ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) has been shown to result in favorable clinical outcomes in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Though, the influence of ankle instability on cartilage repair of the ankle has yet to be determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with and without concomitant lateral ligament stabilization (LLS) undergoing AMIC for the treatment of OLT. It was hypothesized that the outcomes would be comparable between these patient groups. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-six patients (13 with and 13 without concomitant ankle instability) who underwent AMIC with a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 1.5 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were matched 1:1 according to age, body mass index (BMI), lesion size, and follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and Tegner, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores were obtained at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A musculoskeletal radiologist scored all grafts according to the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) 1 and MOCART 2.0 scores. Results: The patients’ mean age was 33.4 ± 12.7 years, with a mean BMI of 26.2 ± 3.7. Patients with concomitant LLS showed worse clinical outcome measured by the AOFAS (85.1 ± 14.4 vs 96.3 ± 5.8; P = .034) and Tegner (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 4.4 ± 2.3; P = .012) scores. Postoperative CAIT and AOFAS scores were significantly correlated in patients with concomitant LLS ( r = 0.766; P = .002). A CAIT score >24 (no functional ankle instability) resulted in AOFAS scores comparable with scores in patients with isolated AMIC (90.1 ± 11.6 vs 95.3 ± 6.6; P = .442). No difference was seen between groups regarding MOCART 1 and 2.0 scores ( P = .714 and P = .371, respectively). Conclusion: Concurrently performed AMIC and LLS in patients with OLT and ankle instability resulted in clinical outcomes comparable with isolated AMIC if postoperative ankle stability was achieved. However, residual ankle instability was associated with worse postoperative outcomes, highlighting the need for adequate stabilization of ankle instability in patients with OLT.

Does Transection of the Superficial MCL During HTO Result in Progressive Valgus Instability?

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110591
Author(s):  
Joo-Hwan Kim ◽  
Dong Jin Ryu ◽  
Sung-Sahn Lee ◽  
Seung Pil Jang ◽  
Jae Sung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Osteotomy Site ◽  
Tibial Osteotomy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Valgus Stress ◽  
Valgus Instability

Background: During high tibial osteotomy (HTO), the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) is cut or released at any degree to expose the osteotomy site and achieve the targeted alignment correction according to the surgeon’s preference. However, it is still unclear whether transection of sMCL increases valgus laxity. Purpose: We aimed to assess the outcomes and safety of sMCL transection, especially focusing on iatrogenic valgus instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Seventy-two patients (89 knees) who underwent medial open wedge HTO (MOWHTO) with transection of the sMCL between October 2013 and September 2018 were retrospectively investigated. Clinical evaluations, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Tegner and Lysholm scores, were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. The radiographic parameters hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, joint line convergence angle on standing radiographs (standing JLCA), and weightbearing line (WBL) ratio were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. To evaluate valgus laxity, we assessed the valgus JLCA and medial joint opening (MJO) at the aforementioned time points using valgus stress radiographs. Results: All clinical results at the 2-year follow-up were significantly improved compared with those obtained at the preoperative assessment ( P < .001). The postoperative HKA angle significantly differed from the preoperative one, and no significant valgus progression was observed during follow-up (preoperative, 8.5°± 2.7°; 3 months, –3.5°± 2.0°; 6 months, –3.2°± 2.3°; 1 year, –3.1°± 2.3°; 2 years, –2.9°± 2.5°; P < .001) The mean WBL ratio was 62.5% ± 9.0% at 2 years postoperatively. The postoperative valgus JLCA at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative valgus JLCA (preoperative, –0.1°± 2.1°; 3 months, –0.2°± 2.4°; 6 months, –0.1°± 2.5°; 1 year, 0.1°± 2.5°; 2 years, 0.2°± 2.2°) The postoperative MJO at all follow-up points did not significantly change compared with the preoperative MJO (preoperative, 7.1 ± 1.7 mm; 3 months, 7.0 ± 1.7 mm; 6 months, 6.9 ± 1.9 mm; 1 year, 6.7 ± 1.8 mm; 2 years, 6.8 ± 1.8 mm). Conclusion: Transection of the sMCL during MOWHTO does not increase valgus laxity and could yield desirable clinical and radiographic results.

Second-look arthroscopic cartilage status is related to intermediate-term outcomes after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy

2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (11) ◽  
pp. 1686-1694
Author(s):  
Hong-Yeol Yang ◽  
Woo-Kyoung Kwak ◽  
Sung Ju Kang ◽  
Eun-Kyoo Song ◽  
Jong-Keun Seon
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
High Tibial Osteotomy ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Tibial Osteotomy ◽  
Opening Wedge ◽  
Status Group ◽  
Second Look ◽  
Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy ◽  
The Mean

Aims To determine the relationship between articular cartilage status and clinical outcomes after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOHTO) for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis at intermediate follow-up. Methods We reviewed 155 patients (155 knees) who underwent MOHTO from January 2008 to December 2016 followed by second-look arthroscopy with a mean 5.3-year follow-up (2.0 to 11.7). Arthroscopic findings were assessed according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of normal or nearly normal quality cartilage in the medial femoral condyle: good (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade I or II; n = 70), and poor (second-look arthroscopic) status (ICRS grade III or IV; n = 85) groups at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 36-Item Short Form survey. Results Significant improvements in all clinical outcome categories were found between the preoperative and second-look arthroscopic assessments in both groups (p < 0.001). At the latest follow-up, the mean IKDC and WOMAC scores in the good status group further improved compared with those at the time of second-look arthroscopic surgery (p < 0.001), which was not shown in the poor status group. The mean IKDC (good status, 72.8 (SD 12.5); poor status, 64.7 (SD 12.1); p = 0.002) and mean WOMAC scores (good status, 15.7 (SD 10.8); poor status, 21.8 (SD 13.6); p = 0.004) significantly differed between both groups at the latest follow-up. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between ICRS CRA grades and IKDC scores (negative correlation; p < 0.001) and WOMAC scores (positive correlation; p < 0.001) at the latest follow-up. Good cartilage status was found more frequently in knees with the desired range of 2° to 6° valgus correction than in those with corrections outside this range (p = 0.019). Conclusion Second-look arthroscopic cartilage status correlated with clinical outcomes after MOHTO at intermediate-term follow-up, despite the relatively small clinical differences between groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1686–1694.

scholarly journals Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: results at 6-year Mean Follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0019
Author(s):  
Matías Costa-Paz ◽  
Carlos Yacuzzi ◽  
Franco Luis De-Cicco ◽  
Juan Ignacio Theaux ◽  
Juan Pablo Zicaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Meniscal Extrusion ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Meniscal Allograft ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grade 3

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and imaging results in a series of patients who underwent a meniscal allograft transplant (MAT). Methods A retrospective study was performed. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and physical examinations were reviewed to measure clinical outcomes after MAT. Osteoarthritic changes were assessed by Plain radiography according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification and meniscal extrusion by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical technique and related procedures were analyzed. Complications were registered. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Results Surgeries were performed in 41 patients, 36 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five were male and 11 women. The mean age was 35 years old (SD 8). The mean follow-up was 71 months (range 24 to 184). The mean time between meniscectomy and meniscal transplant was 12.8 years (SD 6,7). Twenty-three were lateral menisci. The following related procedures were performed: Seven ACL reconstructions, 3 ACL revisions, 19 mosaicplasties and 3 osteotomies. The mean preoperative results of IKDC and Lysholm scores were 30.3 (SD 15.5) and 43.8 (SD 16.8) respectively and postoperative results were 78.8 (SD 21.1) and 61.1 (SD 15) respectively. There were no significative radiographic changes at the end of the follow-up. Mean KL preoperative was 2 (IQR 1) and last follow up was 2 (IQR 1) p= 0.053. Preoperative KL grade 1: 33%, grade 2: 50% and grade 3: 17% and last follow up KL grade 1: 22%, grade 2 56% and grade 3 22%. The average percentage of extruded meniscus was 53% in 22 patients evaluated with MR (range 19% to 100%). Five presented arthrofibrosis that required mobilization under anesthesia and partial meniscectomy of the MAT was required in 6 patients. Two transplants failed. Conclusion Although 53% of meniscal extrusion was observed in the MR, we found no correlation with clinical outcomes. MAT achieved good clinical results without osteoarthritic changes after a mean of 6-years follow-up, with 5% of failure. MAT appears to be a safe and effective treatment, which should be considered as a suitable option in the clinical practice.

scholarly journals Polyurethane scaffold for the treatment of partial meniscal tears. Clinical results with a minimum two-year follow-up

Joints ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 01 (04) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Bulgheroni ◽  
Erica Bulgheroni ◽  
Gianmarco Regazzola ◽  
Claudio Mazzola
Keyword(s):  
Lateral Meniscus ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Collagen Scaffold ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Second Look ◽  
Hyperintense Signal ◽  
Meniscal Scaffold

Purpose: to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the polyurethane meniscal scaffold through clinical examination, MRI and arthroscopic second look, over a minimum two-year follow-up. Methods: between 2009 and 2011, 19 patients underwent meniscal scaffold implantation in our department (medial meniscus in 16 cases lateral meniscus in two cases, and bilateral in one case). All the patients were clinically evaluated preoperatively, and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery using Lysholm score, Tegner score, and VAS. Ten patients were studied with MRI, and nine patients were evaluated arthroscopically. Results: no adverse reactions to the implant were observed. The clinical scores showed a significant improvement at 6 months and increased progressively over time. On MRI studies, the implants showed a clear hyperintense signal, sometimes irregular, and the chondral surface was preserved in all cases. At arthroscopic second look in the first months after surgery, the scaffold size was unchanged and the scaffold appeared light yellowish in color and well integrated into the surrounding tissues. At arthroscopic second look at 12 and 24 months the scaffold was found to have an irregular morphology and to be slightly reduced in size. Conclusions: polyurethane meniscal scaffold is a good alternative to a collagen scaffold, but a longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the scaffold degradation and chondral coverage. Level of Evidence: level IV, therapeutic case series.

scholarly journals Cell-free osteochondral scaffolds provide a substantial clinical benefit in the treatment of osteochondral defects at a minimum follow-up of 5 years

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Ricci ◽  
Daniele Tradati ◽  
Alessio Maione ◽  
Francesco Mattia Uboldi ◽  
Eva Usellini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondral Lesion ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Osteochondral Scaffold ◽  
Level Scale ◽  
Tegner Activity Level

Abstract Purpose The treatment of osteochondral lesions is challenging and no consensus has been established about the best option for restoring both cartilage and subchondral bone. Multilayer collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds have shown promising clinical results, but the outcome at a follow-up longer than 5 years still has to be proved. The aim was to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with a knee isolated osteochondral lesion treated with a biomimetic three-layered scaffold at a minimum 5 years of follow-up. Methods Twenty-nine patients (23 males and 6 females, mean age 31.5 ± 11.4 years) were evaluated retrospectively before surgery, at 1 and 2 years and at last follow-up (FU). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Score, Tegner-Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and Tegner Activity Level Scale were collected. Mean FU was 7.8 ± 2.0 years (min 5.1 - max 11.3). The etiology of the defect was Osteochondritis Dissecans or osteonecrosis (17 vs 12 cases). Results At 12 months FU the IKDC score improved from 51.1 ± 21.7 to 80.1 ± 17.9 (p < 0.01), Tegner Lysholm Score from 59.9 ± 17.3 to 92.5 ± 9.0 (p < 0.01), VAS from 6.1 ± 2.1 to 1.7 ± 2.3 (p < 0.01) and Tegner Activity Level Scale from 1.6 ± 0.5 to 4.9 ± 1.7 (p < 0.01). The results remained stable at 24 months, while at last FU a statistically significant decrease in IKDC, Tegner Lysholm and Tegner Activity Scale was recorded, though not clinically relevant. Patients under 35 achieved statistically better outcomes. Conclusions The use of a cell-free collagen-hydroxyapatite osteochondral scaffold provides substantial clinical benefits in the treatment of knee osteochondral lesions at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, especially in patients younger than 35 years. Level of evidence Level IV.

scholarly journals Results of Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation in the Knee

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Muller ◽  
Roelf S Breederveld ◽  
Wim E Tuinebreijer
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Autologous Transplantation ◽  
International Knee Documentation Committee ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Cartilage Defects ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
High Level ◽  
Articular Cartilage Defects

Repair of full thickness defects of articular cartilage in the knee is difficult but important to prevent progression to osteoarthritis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical results of Osteochondral Autograft Transplant System (OATS) treatment for articular defects of the knee.Between 1999 and 2005, 15 knees (14 patients) were treated by the OATS technique. Age ranged from 27 to 52 years. Cartilage defects were up to 3.75 cm2. The mean follow-up was 42 months. Knee function was assessed by the Lysholmscore and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form. Six patients scored good or excellent. No patient had knee instability. Twelve of 13 patients returned to sports at an intermediate or high level. The subjective assessment score (0-10) changed from 4.7 before operation to 7.2 afterward (P=0.007). The OATS-technique resulted in a decrease in symptoms in patients with localized articular cartilage defects. We consider the OATS technique to be an appropriate treatment for cartilage defects to prevent progression of symptoms.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Ceramic-Based Total Ankle Arthroplasty with Ceramic Total Talar Prosthesis and Ceramic-Based Total Ankle Arthroplasty

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110513
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Yamamoto ◽  
Kanto Nagai ◽  
Noriyuki Kanzaki ◽  
Kiminari Kataoka ◽  
Koji Nukuto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Revision Rate ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
End Stage

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become one of the standard surgical treatments for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA). In recent years, TAA with total talar prosthesis (combined TAA) has been used for ankle OA patients with talar osteonecrosis, with severe talar collapse, or with subtalar joint OA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional and clinical outcomes of combined TAA, compared with conventional TAA. Methods: Forty-six ankles (44 patients, 32 women/12 men) that underwent conventional TAA with mean follow-up of 42 months, and 26 ankles (25 patients, 18 women/7 men) that underwent combined TAA with mean follow-up of 46 months were included. Clinical outcomes, which included ankle range of motion (ROM), the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale, the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), and complications were compared between the groups. Results: The preoperative ROM was significantly worse in combined TAA for both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion; however, in the final ROM, there was no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in JSSF scale and SAFE-Q between the groups. Revision rate was 10.9% in conventional TAA and 0% in combined TAA. Conclusion: In this small series, at an average of 3.5 years, we found no significant difference in clinical results between conventional TAA and combined TAA; however, the revision rate was higher in conventional TAA. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Ten-Year Follow-up of a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study of Mosaic Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation Versus Microfracture for the Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in the Knee Joint of Athletes

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2499-2508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimtautas Gudas ◽  
Agnė Gudaitė ◽  
Arnoldas Pocius ◽  
Asta Gudienė ◽  
Emilis Čekanauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autologous Transplantation ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cartilage Defects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Study ◽  
Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation

Background: Various techniques have proven to be effective for treating articular cartilage defect (ACD) and osteochondral defect (OCD) of the knee joint, but knowledge regarding which method is best still remains uncertain. Purpose: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) and microfracture (MF) procedures for the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee joint in young active athletes. This article represents an update of the clinical results at 10 years. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Between 1998 and 2002, a total of 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.3 years (range, 15-40 years) and with a symptomatic ACD or OCD in the knee were randomized to undergo either OAT or MF. Patients were then evaluated postoperatively using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, Tegner activity score, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up time was 10.4 years (range, 9-11 years). Results: Three to 10 years after the OAT and MF procedures, patients had lower ICRS and Tegner scores ( P < .05), but both groups still had significant clinical improvement over presurgery scores according to ICRS scores at 10-year follow-up. Statistically significantly better results were detected in patients in the OAT group compared with those in the MF group at 10 years ( P < .005). At 10-year follow-up, there were 15 failures (26%), including 4 failures (14%) of the OAT and 11 failures (38%) of MF treatment ( P < .05). Seven patients (25%) from the OAT group and 14 patients (48%) from the MF group had radiographic evidence of Kellgren-Lawrence grade I osteoarthritis at 10 years, but these differences were not significant ( P = .083) or related to the clinical results. The ICRS and Tegner scores of younger athletes (<25 years at the time of primary surgery) remained significantly higher after 10 years compared with older patients ( P < .05); 15 of 20 patients (75%) in the OAT group and 8 of 22 patients (37%) in the MF group maintained the same physical activity level. Conclusion: The OAT technique for ACD or OCD repair in the athletic population allows for a higher rate of return to and maintenance of sports at the preinjury level compared with MF.

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