Treatment of Juvenile Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans with a Cell-Free Biomimetic Osteochondral Scaffold: Clinical and MRI Results at Mid-Term Follow-up

Cartilage ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 194760352095450
Author(s):  
Andrea Sessa ◽  
Iacopo Romandini ◽  
Luca Andriolo ◽  
Alessandro Di Martino ◽  
Maurizio Busacca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Osteochondral Scaffold ◽  
A Cell

Objective Osteochondral surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of unfixable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), but only few of them have been studied for juvenile OCD (JOCD) lesions. A cell-free biomimetic osteochondral scaffold showed positive results in adult patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of this scaffold for the treatment of knee JOCD at mid-term follow-up. Design Twenty patients (14 males, 6 females) were included in this study. Mean age was 16.2 ± 1.4 years, average defect size was 3.2 ± 1.8 cm2, and mean symptoms duration was 20.2 ± 17.9 months. After the implantation of the osteochondral collagen–hydroxyapatite scaffold (Maioregen, Fin-Ceramica, Faenza, Italy), patients were evaluated preoperatively and prospectively at 1, 2, and at final mean follow-up of 6 years (range 5-7 years) with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective, Tegner, and EuroQol visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. MRI evaluation was performed with the MOCART 2.0 score. Results All scores showed a significant improvement. IKDC subjective score went from 50.3 ± 17.4 preoperative score to 75.3 ± 14.6 at 1 year ( P = 0.002), 80.8 ± 14.6 at 2 years and 85.0 ± 9.3 at 6 years. The Tegner score improved from the preoperative evaluation of 2.6 ± 1.4 to 5.5 ± 2.0 at 6 years ( P < 0.0005), although without reaching the level registered before the onset of symptoms. A longer symptoms duration influenced negatively IKDC subjective and Tegner scores up to 2 years ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively) but did not affect the final outcome. Lesion size did not affect the final result. The MOCART 2.0 score showed a significant improvement between 1-year and final follow-up, but with persisting subchondral alterations. Conclusions This study demonstrated a clinical improvement stable over time with a high survival rate, although with persisting abnormal MRI findings, especially at subchondral bone level. This procedure can be considered a suitable option for the treatment of young patients affected by knee OCD. Level of evidence. Case series, level IV.

Autologous Osteochondral Mosaicplasty for Centrally and Laterally Located, Advanced Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in Teenage Athletes: Clinical Outcomes, Radiography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1943-1951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadanao Funakoshi ◽  
Daisuke Momma ◽  
Yuki Matsui ◽  
Tamotsu Kamishima ◽  
Yuichiro Matsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Joint Surface ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty (ie, mosaicplasty) results in satisfactory clinical outcomes and reliable return to play for patients with large or unstable lesions due to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum. However, the association between the healing of the reconstructed cartilage and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of mosaicplasty in teenage athletes through use of clinical scores and imaging. The secondary purpose was to compare the clinical outcomes with images of centrally and laterally located lesions. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study analyzed 22 elbows (all male patients; mean age, 13.5 ± 1.2 years) with capitellar OCD managed with mosaicplasty. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the location of the lesions: central (10 patients) and lateral (12 patients). Evaluation was performed through use of the clinical rating system of Timmerman and Andrews, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; the cartilage repair monitoring system of Roberts). The mean follow-up period was 27.5 months (range, 24-48 months). Results: Lateral lesions were significantly larger than central lesions (147.1 ± 51.9 mm2 vs 95.5 ± 27.4 mm2, P = .01). No other significant differences were found between central and lateral lesions. Timmerman and Andrews scores for both central and lateral lesions improved significantly from 125.0 ± 30.1 points and 138.3 ± 34.5 points preoperatively to 193.5 ± 11.3 points and 186.7 ± 18.1 points, respectively, at final follow-up ( P < .0001, P < .0001). Radiography identified complete graft incorporation in all cases and the absence of severe osteoarthritic changes or displaced osteochondral fragments. In the lateral group, the radial head ratio at final follow-up (1.83 ± 0.23) was significantly larger than the preoperative findings (1.75 ± 0.14, P = .049). The quality of joint surface reconstruction was found to be acceptable for central and lateral lesions on MRI evaluation. Conclusion: Mosaicplasty resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and smooth cartilage surface integrity in teenage athletes with OCD on their return to competition-level sports activities irrespective of lesion location.

scholarly journals Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Tibial Plateau in Children and Adolescents: A Case Series

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712094138
Author(s):  
Millicent Croman ◽  
Dennis E. Kramer ◽  
Benton E. Heyworth ◽  
Mininder S. Kocher ◽  
Lyle J. Micheli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Tibial Plateau ◽  
Femoral Condyle ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lateral Compartment ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Presenting Symptoms

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a relatively well-known condition, most commonly arising in the femoral condyle. Lesions arising in the tibial plateau are rarely described. Purpose: To present a case series of OCD lesions of the tibial plateau. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Medical records and diagnostic imaging of patients <20 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of OCD of the tibial plateau from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristic and radiographic features as well as details of both nonoperative and surgical management were investigated. Lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes were also analyzed. Results: A total of 9 lesions were identified in 9 patients (5 females, 4 males) who fit the inclusion criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 14.2 years (range, 9-17 years). Knee pain (8/9) of longer than 1 year in duration was the most common presenting symptom. All 9 lesions were located on the lateral tibial plateau, and concomitant lateral compartment pathology was present in 5 of 9 patients (4 lateral femoral condyle OCDs, 3 lateral meniscal tears [1 discoid], and 1 discoid meniscus). Only 2 lesions were visible on initial radiographs; all 9 were visible on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent initial nonoperative treatment; 2 patients demonstrated resolution of symptoms. Two patients underwent surgery for concomitant pathology, and the OCD was not addressed surgically. A total of 5 patients continued to be symptomatic after nonoperative treatment, prompting surgical intervention, which consisted of microfracture and chondroplasty in all 5 cases. A total of 2 of the 5 microfracture patients had resolution of symptoms, while another 2 patients had continued symptoms ultimately responsive to steroid injection treatment. One patient had revision microfracture, followed by autologous chondrocyte implantation and an arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. At final follow-up, ranging from 7 months to 10 years, 8 patients were asymptomatic, while 1 patient had developed early osteoarthritis. Conclusion: OCD of the tibial plateau in young patients is rare, usually involves the lateral side, and may have significant long-term implications for knee function. Presenting symptoms are often vague, and lesions may not always be visible on initial radiographs, which may lead to delayed treatment and adversely affect outcomes.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1134-1140 ◽  
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.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Trochlea: Characterization of a Rare Disorder Based on 28 Cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 2167-2173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kemble K. Wang ◽  
Sarah D. Bixby ◽  
Donald S. Bae
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ossification Center ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Elbow Motion

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral trochlea is very rare. It may cause pain, mechanical symptoms, and loss of elbow motion, typically in the adolescent athlete. However, little published information is available regarding this condition. Purpose: To describe the clinical presentation, radiographic features, and prognosis of trochlear OCD. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Over a 10-year period, 28 patients presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital with trochlear OCD. Medical records and imaging were analyzed to characterize presentation, lesions appearances, and outcomes. Results: Mean ± SD age at presentation was 13.4 ± 1.6 years, and 13 of the 28 patients were male. The most common presenting symptom was pain (93%), followed by crepitus (54%). Evidence of trochlear OCD could be seen on initial radiographs in 94% of cases but was commonly missed. Coexisting capitellar OCD lesions were the most common associated abnormalities seen on magnetic resonance imaging (21%). Investigators noted 2 predominant patterns: “typical” trochlear OCD lesions (89%) were located on the lateral crista of the trochlea, 3.1 ± 4.4 mm lateral to the apex of the trochlear groove. This location corresponded to the medial tip of the capitellar epiphyseal ossification center and was not actually on the trochlear ossification center. “Atypical” trochlear OCD lesions (11%) were located more posteromedially. Trochlear OCD lesions in 4 elbows were managed surgically, while the remainder were managed nonoperatively. At mean ± SD follow-up of 13 ± 8 months, 12 patients (43%) were asymptomatic. A further 5 patients had ongoing crepitus but no pain (18%), and 4 patients (14%) underwent surgical treatment for their trochlear OCD (osteochondral fixation, n = 1; drilling/curettage, n = 3); 3 of the 4 patients experienced some improvement in pain. Conclusion: Although rare, trochlear OCD can cause considerable elbow problems. Clinicians should be aware of this differential diagnosis. Plain radiographs should be carefully scrutinized for subtle signs of trochlear OCD, particularly in the repetitive or overhead athlete with elbow pain. Although most patients’ symptoms will improve with activity modification, some may require surgery.

Long-term Follow-up of Revision Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Ankle

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 522-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Gaul ◽  
Luís E. P. Tírico ◽  
Julie C. McCauley ◽  
William D. Bugbee
Keyword(s):  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Time To Failure ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Proper Patient Selection ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Background: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a useful alternative for treatment of posttraumatic ankle arthritis in young patients but has a relatively high failure rate and further procedures are often required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who underwent revision OCA transplantation of the ankle after failed primary OCA transplantation. Methods: Twenty patients underwent revision OCA transplantation of the ankle between 1988 and 2015. Mean age was 44 years, 55% (11 of 20) were female. The mean time from primary to revision OCA was 3.0 ± 1.7 years. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes included the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Module (AAOS-FAM) and questionnaires evaluating pain and satisfaction. Failure of the revision OCA was defined as a conversion to arthroplasty, arthrodesis, or amputation. Results: Ten of 20 ankles required further surgery, of which 30% (6 of 20) were considered OCA revision failures (4 arthrodeses, 1 arthroplasty, and 1 amputation). The mean time to failure was 6.7 (range, 0.6-13.1) years. Survivorship of the revision OCA was 84% at 5 years and 65% at 10 years. The 14 patients with grafts remaining in situ had an average follow-up of 10.3 years; mean AAOS-FAM Core Score was 70.5 (range, 42.3-99). Of the patients who answered the follow-up questions, 4 of 7 reported moderate to severe pain, and 5 of 12 were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Conclusion: Although the results of revision ankle OCA transplantation are not inferior to primary OCA transplantation, the high rates of persistent pain, further surgery, and graft failure suggest that the indications for OCA as a revision procedure should be carefully evaluated, with proper patient selection. Considering the treatment alternatives, revising a failed OCA transplantation can be a useful treatment option, especially for young and active patients who wish to avoid arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

scholarly journals Treatment of early onset spinal deformities with magnetically controlled growing rods: a single centre experience of 30 cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Studer ◽  
C. Heidt ◽  
P. Büchler ◽  
C. C. Hasler
Keyword(s):  
Early Onset ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Implant Fixation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Major Curve ◽  
Growing Rods ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods

Purpose The treatment of early onset scoliosis continues to be a major challenge, even when using motorized growth-sparing implants. We report on 30 cases operated on with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) at our institution, analyzing radiological parameters and complications, comparing our results with the literature and presenting a special implant fixation technique. A separate focus highlights the challenges of conversion from previous non-motorized implants. Methods Consecutive case series. The nature and effects of complications were recorded for all patients. Radiographic evaluations were performed for patients with a minimum follow-up of two years. Separate analyses were carried out for patients who were previously treated with non-motorized growth-sparing implants Results There were 12 documented complications in 11/30 (37%) patients leading to 13 unplanned returns to the operating room. In all, 18/30 patients had a minimum follow-up of two years. Major curve and main kyphosis, as well as T1 to T12 and T1 to S1 distances significantly improved with MCGR implantation, however, less in patients converted from previous growth-sparing surgical treatment. While the achieved correction of the major curve was maintained, there was a loss of kyphosis correction with subsequent implant lengthening. Gain in implant length decreased with increasing number of extensions. Conclusion Despite improved patient’s comfort, MCGR show a considerable complication rate. Coronal plane deformities can be well controlled, but diminished implant lengthening is already apparent within two years after MCGR implantation. Central databases should help to clarify unresolved aspects and optimize the treatment of these young patients. Level of Evidence IV

scholarly journals Acellular Cartilage Repair Technique Based on Ultrapurified Alginate Gel Implantation for Advanced Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712198967
Author(s):  
Daisuke Momma ◽  
Tomohiro Onodera ◽  
Daisuke Kawamura ◽  
Atsushi Urita ◽  
Yuichiro Matsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cartilage Regeneration ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽  
Repair Capacity ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Repair Technique

Background: One of the most important limitations of osteochondral autograft transplant is the adverse effect on donor sites in the knee. Ultrapurified alginate (UPAL) gel is a novel biomaterial that enhances hyaline-like cartilage repair for articular defects. To avoid the need for knee cartilage autografting when treating osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, we developed a surgical procedure involving a bone marrow stimulation technique (BMST) augmented by implantation of UPAL gel. Hypothesis: BMST augmented by UPAL gel implantation improves the cartilage repair capacity and provides satisfactory clinical outcomes in OCD of the capitellum. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 5 athletes with advanced capitellar OCD in the dominant elbow underwent BMST augmented by implantation of UPAL gel. The osteochondral defects were filled with UPAL gel after BMST. At a mean follow-up of 97 weeks, all patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Results: At final follow-up, all 5 patients had returned to competitive-level sports, and 4 patients were free from elbow pain. The mean Timmerman-Andrews score significantly improved from 100 to 194 points. Radiographically, all patients exhibited graft incorporation and a normal contour of the subchondral cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the preoperative heterogeneity of the lesion had disappeared, and the signal intensity had returned to normal. Arthroscopic examinations consistently exhibited improvement in the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade of lesions from 3 or 4 to 1 or 2 in 4 patients at 85 weeks postoperatively. Histologic analysis of biopsy specimens revealed an average total ICRS Visual Assessment Scale II histologic score of 1060. Conclusion: The acellular cartilage repair technique using UPAL gel for advanced capitellar OCD provided satisfactory clinical and radiographic results. The present results suggest that this novel technique is a useful, minimally invasive approach for treating cartilaginous lesions in athletes.

scholarly journals Complications and Pitfalls after Finger Replantation in Young Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 74-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibault Lafosse ◽  
Pascal Jehanno ◽  
Frank Fitoussi
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Evidence Type ◽  
Therapeutic Study ◽  
Everyday Life Activities ◽  
Finger Replantation

Abstract Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Objective The authors report surgical outcome in a series of very young children who underwent finger replantation after traumatic amputation. Methods During a 10-year period, 65 children were treated with replantation for finger amputation in two institutions. This study focused on replantation of 15 fingers in 13 young patients under 6 years of age (mean age: 2.9 years; range: 1.1–5.7 years). Early postoperative complications were categorized into major or minor. At the time of assessment, the authors evaluated everyday life activities, pain and cold tolerance, total active range of motion (TAM) in patients with successful replantation, and growth disturbance. Results The overall success rate for children younger than 6 years was 47% (7 out of 15), and the authors had 67% of major complications, mainly in patients with crush injuries. There was venous ischemia in 13 (86%) fingers treated with controlled bleeding. The hemoglobin level decreased more than 2 g/dL in six patients, and blood transfusion was necessary in two patients. At the last follow-up, patients with successful replantation had a mean TAM of 72%. Conclusion Despite numerous complications mainly in relation with venous congestion, the functional outcome is satisfactory after successful replantation in young children, which should always be attempted. Level of Evidence/Type of Study Level III, case series, therapeutic study.

scholarly journals Treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans in adults with autogenous osteochondral grafts (Mosaicplasty): long-term results

Joints ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Ronga ◽  
Placido Stissi ◽  
Giuseppe La Barbera ◽  
Marco Valoroso ◽  
Gloria Angeretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Osteochondral Repair

Purpose: the unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD-type II and III according to the ICRs classification) of the knee largher than > 2.5 cm2 in adults are uncommon lesions and there is no consensus on how to treat them. Medium-term studies have reported good re sults using autogenous osteochondral plugs (mosaicplasty). The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term results of this technique for the treatment of unstable OCD in a selected group of adult patients. Methods: four patients with OCD at either one of the femoral condyles were included in this prospective study. The average age was 21.2 years (range, 18-24 years). The OCD lesions were classified as type II in three patients and type III in one patient and the average size was 3.8 cm2 (range, 2.55-5.1 cm2 ). The lesions were treated in situ with a variable number of autogenous osteochondral plugs (Ø 4.5 mm2). The Modified Cincinnati, Lysholm II and Tegner scores were used for clinical and functional evaluation. Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) was performed before surgery and at 2, 5 and 10 years after surgery. A modified MOCART score was used to evaluate MRA findings. Results: the average follow-up duration was ten years and 6 months (range, 10-11 years). No complications occurred. At the final follow-up, all scores (clinical, functional and MOCART) improved. In all but one of the patients MRA showed complete osteochondral repair. Conclusions: the fixation of large and unstable OCD lesions with mosaicplasty may be a good option for treating type II or III OCD lesions in adults. The advantages of this technique include stable fixation, promotion of blood supply to the base of the OCD fragment, and grafting of autologous cancellous bone that stimulates healing with preservation of the articular surface. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Outcomes of Salvage Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty for Failed Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Ankle

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 537-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Gaul ◽  
Cameron R. Barr ◽  
Julie C. McCauley ◽  
Steven N. Copp ◽  
William D. Bugbee
Keyword(s):  
Young Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Salvage Procedure ◽  
Pain Level ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Additional Surgery

Background: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a useful treatment for posttraumatic ankle arthritis in young patients, but failure rates are high and reoperations are not uncommon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of failed ankle OCA transplantation converted to ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Methods: We evaluated 24 patients who underwent salvage procedures (13 AA and 11 TAA) after primary failed ankle OCA transplantation. Reoperations were assessed. Failure of the salvage procedure was defined as an additional surgery that required a revision AA/TAA or amputation. Evaluation among nonfailing ankles included the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Module (AAOS-FAM), pain, and satisfaction. Results: In the salvage AA cohort, 3 patients were classified as failures (2 revision AA and 1 amputation). The 10 nonfailing patients had a mean follow-up of 7.4 years. Eighty-eight percent were satisfied with the procedure, but 63% reported continued problems with their ankle (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness). Mean pain level was 1.9 and AAOS-FAM core score was 83±13. In the salvage TAA cohort, 2 patients were classified as failures (both revision TAA). The 9 nonfailing patients had a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Fifty percent were satisfied with the procedure, but 40% reported continued problems with their ankle. The mean pain level was 1.3, and the median AAOS-FAM core score was 82±26. Conclusion: Revision and reoperation rates for salvage procedures following failed OCA transplantation of the ankle are higher compared to published data for primary AA and TAA procedures. However, we believe OCA transplantation can serve as an interim procedure for younger patients with advanced ankle joint disease who may not be ideal candidates for primary AA or TAA at the time of initial presentation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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