Uniportal Thoracoscopic Debridement for Children With Refractory Pleural Empyema: Case Series of 21 Patients

Purpose: The effectiveness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), even uniportal VATS (U-VATS), in the treatment of pleural empyema has recently been demonstrated. However, few works have evaluated its safety and feasibility for children. We review our experience with U-VATS in the treatment of pleural empyema for children under 11 years old.Methods: From January 2019 to December 2020, we consecutively enrolled 21 children with stage II and stage III pleural empyema in our institution. A 1.0 cm utility port was created in the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. A rigid 30°5 mm optic thoracoscope was used for vision, and two or three instruments were used through the port. Surgery was based on three therapeutic columns: removal of pleural fluid, debridement, and decortication. A chest tube was inserted through the same skin incision. Perioperative data and outcomes were summarized.Results: The procedures were successful, and satisfactory debridement of the pleural cavity was achieved in all cases. The mean age was 4.1 years (range: 6 months to 11 years old). The mean operating time was 65.7 ± 23.2 min. No intraoperative conversion or major complications were identified among the patients. The mean hospital stay was 5.0 ± 0.6 days. At a follow-up of more than 4 months after operating, all patients had recovered well without recurrence.Conclusion: According to our experience, U-VATS debridement is feasible for the surgical management of stage II and III empyema in the pediatric population. Indeed, U-VATS permits easier performance and complete debridement and decortication, with a very low risk for conversion.

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A Modified Extra-articular Lateral Column Lengthening Procedure for Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/10711007211051359 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107110072110513

Author(s):

Yin-Chuan Shih ◽

Chui Jia Farn ◽

Chen-Chie Wang ◽

Chung-Li Wang ◽

Pei-Yu Chen

Keyword(s):

Subtalar Joint ◽

Case Series ◽

Stage Ii ◽

Posterior Tibial Tendon ◽

Lateral Column ◽

Metatarsal Angle ◽

Lateral Column Lengthening ◽

Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity ◽

The Mean

Background: Lateral column lengthening (LCL), originally described by Evans, is an established procedure to correct stage II adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). However, the relative position between the facets is violated, and other problems may include nonunion, malunion, and calcaneocuboid (CC) joint subluxation. Herein, we report a modified extra-articular technique of LCL with hockey-stick osteotomy, which preserves the subtalar joint as a whole, increases bony apposition to enhance healing ability, and preserves the insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament to stabilize the posterior fragment to promote adduction of the forefoot. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 24 patients (26 feet) with stage II AAFD who underwent extra-articular LCL. The mean age was 55.7 ± 15.7 years, and the mean follow-up period was 33.4 ± 12.1 months. Associated procedures of spring ligament repair/reconstruction and posterior tibial tendon plication or flexor digitorum longus transfer were routinely performed and may also include a Cotton osteotomy, heel cord lengthening, or hallux valgus correction. Clinical and radiographic outcomes at the final follow-up were compared with the preoperative assessments. Results: All patients achieved calcaneus union within 3 months of operation. The VAS pain score improved from 5.3 ± 0.75 preoperatively to 1.2 ± 0.79 at the final follow-up ( P < .001), and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale from 63.5 ± 8.5 to 85.8 ± 4.8 points ( P < .001). The radiographic measurements significantly improved in terms of the preoperative vs final angles of 8.9 ± 5.3 vs 15.2 ± 3.6 degrees for calcaneal pitch ( P < .001), 20.5 ± 9.2 vs 4.9 ± 4.8 degrees for Meary angle ( P < .001), 46.5 ± 5.2 vs 41.9 ± 3.2 degrees for lateral talocalcaneal angle ( P < .001), 23.9 ± 8.5 vs 3.9 ± 3.1 degrees for talonavicular coverage angle ( P < .001), and 18.2 ± 9.2 vs 7.3 ± 5.0 degrees for talus-first metatarsal angle ( P = .002). The CC joint subluxation percentage was 7.0% ± 5.4% preoperatively compared with 8.5% ± 2.4% at the final follow-up ( P = .101). No case showed progression of CC joint arthritis or CC joint subluxation (>15% CC joint subluxation percentage). One case showed transient sural nerve territory paresthesia, and 1 had pin tract infection. Three cases had lateral foot pain, which could be relieved by custom insoles. Conclusion: Modified extra-articular LCL as part of AAFD correction is a feasible alternative technique without subtalar joint invasion and may be associated with less CC joint subluxation compared with the Evans osteotomy. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Partial capitate shortening for Kienböck’s disease

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193414562355 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 40 (9) ◽

pp. 957-960 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

A. Citlak ◽

U. Akgun ◽

T. Bulut ◽

M. Tahta ◽

B. Dirim Mete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Case Series ◽

Magnetic Resonance Images ◽

Stage Ii ◽

Pinch Strength ◽

Case Series Study ◽

The Mean ◽

Series Study ◽

Carpal Height

The purpose of this study was to report our experience of partial capitate shortening in seven patients with a median 38 months follow-up. Staging was made by the Lichtman classification system and stage II and III-A patients were included in the study. The mean age was 34 years (range 22–52). Patients were assessed for pain, range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and satisfaction was recorded using a scale between 0 and 4. All these parameters showed improvement after surgery. The Lichtman stage, lunate height index and carpal height index were determined radiographically. Magnetic resonance images of the wrist were studied for lunate revascularization at the final follow-up and occurred in all patients. According to our study, partial capitate shortening seems an effective treatment for Lichtman stage II and III-A patients. Level IV case series study.

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Laparoscopic treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts in children: single-center experience

La Pediatria Medica e Chirurgica ◽

10.4081/pmc.2018.168 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Antonio Marte ◽

Lucia Pintozzi

Keyword(s):

Operating Time ◽

Case Series ◽

Renal Cysts ◽

Laparoscopic Treatment ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Cytological Examination ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽

The Mean

Simple renal cysts, although common in adults, are rare in children. They are usually discovered incidentally in the course of the study of other urinary tract symptoms, although they are not always asymptomatic. Renal cysts can be classified as being either simple or complex. The purpose of this review is to present our case series of simple symptomatic renal cysts treated with laparoscopy. Nineteen patients with symptomatic renal cysts (6 to 13.5 cm) were referred to our institution between January 2006 and January 2017. They comprised 12 (40.5%) females and seven (59.5%) males, aged 8 to 15, with a mean age of 12.2 years. Of these patients, nine had previously been treated unsuccessfully by ultrasound-guided aspiration/alcoholization with 95%-ethanol, between 9 and 13 months prior to the laparoscopy. Five patients had undergone one treatment and four had undergone two treatments. All of the patients were treated by laparoscopic threetrocar deroofing. The cysts were opened and the wall excised using scissors and a monopolar hook. In most cases, to better handle the edges of the cyst and obtain a better grip, a needle was used to aspirate a small amount of fluid (used for cytological examination). The wall of the cyst was excised, the cyst edges were sealed, and the perirenal fat was placed on the bottom of the cyst (wadding technique). The mean operating time was 95 minutes (range 50- 150). The postoperative course was uneventful for all of the patients. The hospital stay ranged from one to three days. All of the patients were asymptomatic following the treatment. At a mean follow-up time of 3.6 years, none of the patients had experienced a recurrence. Renal function, as assessed by a MAG3 renal scintigraphy scan, was well-preserved in all of the patients, and all of them undergo an annual ultrasound scan.

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Endoscopy-assisted early correction of single-suture metopic craniosynostosis: a 19-year experience

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2018.6.peds1749 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 61-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

David F. Jimenez ◽

Michael J. McGinity ◽

Constance M. Barone

Keyword(s):

Blood Transfusion ◽

Literature Review ◽

Operating Time ◽

Case Series ◽

Transfusion Rate ◽

Surgical Time ◽

The Mean ◽

Single Suture ◽

Metopic Craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to present the authors’ 19-year experience treating metopic craniosynostosis by using an endoscopy-assisted technique and postoperative cranial orthotic therapy. The authors also aimed to provide a comprehensive, comparative statistical analysis of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery in reports previously published in the literature (through 2014) regarding only patients with metopic synostosis.METHODSA total of 141 patients with single-suture metopic nonsyndromic craniosynostosis sutures were treated between 1998 and 2017 by endoscopically resecting the synostosed bone followed by postoperative custom cranial orthosis use. All data used in the case series were collected prospectively and stored in a secure database. A comprehensive literature review was performed that included all previous case series reporting common surgical performance measures. A statistical comparison of traditional open methods versus MIS techniques was performed with regard to age, length of hospital stay (LOS), surgical time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and transfusion rate.RESULTSThe mean age at the time of surgery in the current series was 4.1 months. The mean EBL was 33 ml (range 5–250 ml). One patient underwent an intraoperative blood transfusion and 5 underwent postoperative blood transfusion for a total transfusion rate of 4.3%. The mean operating time was 56 minutes. Ninety-eight percent of patients were discharged on the 1st postoperative day. The median size of the removed synostosed bone was 0.6 cm × 10 cm. The primary goal of achieving correction of the forehead deformity was obtained in 94% of the patients. One hundred eight patients presented with hypotelorism (76.6%). Those with a minimum 1-year follow-up achieved 99% correction (n = 97). Six patients younger than 1 year had not achieved correction at the time of follow-up (6%). There were no intra- or postoperative deaths. One patient had a temporary contact dermatitis to the helmet materials and 2 patients developed pseudomeningoceles, which were successfully treated with a lumbar drain and/or spinal tap. No patient required nor underwent a second surgical procedure. Regarding the previously published literature through 2014, the reported EBL in patients who underwent MIS versus traditional open methods was 54.7 ml versus 224 ml, respectively. The reported average age for patients undergoing MIS versus traditional open methods was 3.8 months versus 11.5 months. The average LOS for patients undergoing MIS versus traditional open methods was 1.7 days versus 3.7 days. The average reported surgical time for those undergoing MIS versus traditional open methods was 66.7 minutes versus 223.7 minutes. The transfusion rate for patients undergoing MIS versus traditional open methods was 22% versus 77%. All of the above differences demonstrated statistical significance.CONCLUSIONSThe authors’ team has safely and effectively performed 141 metopic craniosynostosis corrections over the past 19 years, with excellent outcomes. Literature review comparing metrics such as LOS, EBL, operating time, and transfusion rate demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in all commonly reported measurements. MIS techniques are safe and effective and should be offered to parents and patients as an option at craniofacial centers treating this condition.

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Long-term outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy in the pediatric population: a large single-institution case series

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2019.6.peds18716 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 549-557

Author(s):

Malia McAvoy ◽

Heather J. McCrea ◽

Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽

Hoon Choi ◽

Wenya Linda Bi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservative Management ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Clinical Presentation ◽

Case Series ◽

Csf Leak ◽

Single Institution ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.

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63 Chronic Femoral Osteomyelitis Case Series: Outcomes and Economic Impact at A United Kingdom Based Tertiary Centre

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab134.222 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

E Lau ◽

Z Arshad ◽

A Aslam ◽

A Thahir ◽

M Krkovic

Keyword(s):

Economic Impact ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Case Series ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Financial Loss ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Tertiary Centre ◽

The Mean ◽

Eq Vas

Abstract Introduction Osteomyelitis refers to an inflammatory process affecting bone and bone marrow. This study reviews chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment and outcomes, including economic impact. Method We retrospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 14 chronic femoral osteomyelitis patients treated between January 2013 and January 2020. Data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, complications, treatment protocol and costs. Functional outcome was assessed using EuroQOL five-dimensional interview administration questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L™) and EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS™). Results Of these, 92.9% had one or more osteomyelitis risk factor, including smoking and diabetes. Samples from 78.6% grew at least one pathogen. Only 42.9% achieved remission after initial treatment, but 85.7% were in remission at final follow-up, with no signs of recurrence throughout the follow-up period (mean: 21.4 months). The average treatment cost was £39,249.50 with a net mean loss of £19,080.10 when funding was considered. The mean-derived EQ-5D score was 0.360 and the mean EQ-VAS score was 61.7, lower than their values for United Kingdom’s general population, p = 0.0018 and p = 0.013 respectively. Conclusions Chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment is difficult, resulting in significant economic burden. With previous studies showing cheaper osteomyelitis treatment at specialist centres, our net financial loss incurred suggests the need for management at specialised centres.

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Failed Surgery for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes: Midterm Results of Further Surgical Management

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121994550 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712199455

Author(s):

Nicola Maffulli ◽

Francesco Oliva ◽

Gayle D. Maffulli ◽

Filippo Migliorini

Keyword(s):

Surgical Management ◽

Revision Surgery ◽

Case Series ◽

Sports Participation ◽

Patellar Tendinopathy ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Training Time ◽

The Mean

Background: Tendon injuries are commonly seen in sports medicine practice. Many elite players involved in high-impact activities develop patellar tendinopathy (PT) symptoms. Of them, a small percentage will develop refractory PT and need to undergo surgery. In some of these patients, surgery does not resolve these symptoms. Purpose: To report the clinical results in a cohort of athletes who underwent further surgery after failure of primary surgery for PT. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 22 athletes who had undergone revision surgery for failed surgical management of PT were enrolled in the present study. Symptom severity was assessed through the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) upon admission and at the final follow-up. Time to return to training, time to return to competition, and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 25.4 years, and the mean symptom duration from the index intervention was 15.3 months. At a mean follow-up of 30.0 ± 4.9 months, the VISA-P score improved 27.8 points ( P < .0001). The patients returned to training within a mean of 9.2 months. Fifteen patients (68.2%) returned to competition within a mean of 11.6 months. Of these 15 patients, a further 2 had decreased their performance, and 2 more had abandoned sports participation by the final follow-up. The overall rate of complications was 18.2%. One patient (4.5%) had a further revision procedure. Conclusion: Revision surgery was feasible and effective in patients in whom PT symptoms persisted after previous surgery for PT, achieving a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of the VISA-P score as well as an acceptable rate of return to sport at a follow-up of 30 months.

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Management of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy: A case series from a tertiary referral center

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211023727 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110237

Author(s):

Ilkay Kilic Muftuoglu ◽

Ecem Onder Tokuc ◽

V Levent Karabas

Keyword(s):

Optic Disc ◽

Case Series ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Maximum Height ◽

Optic Disc Pit ◽

Tertiary Referral Center ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Mean ◽

Foveal Center

Purpose: To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) stuffing technique in patients with optic disc pit associated maculopathy (ODP-M). Methods: Data including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), foveal center point thickness (FCP), and maximum height of fluid (max_fluid) (intraretinal or subretinal) were collected from the medical records of the patients. Results: Six eyes of six patients with a mean age of 28.0 ± 17.68 years (range: 9–53 year) underwent PPV + ILM plug surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 25.62 ± 26.11 months (range: 11.80–78.00 month) duration. The mean BCVA increased from 1.25 ± 1.04 logMAR (20/355, Snellen equivalent) to 0.86 ± 1.09 logMAR (20/144, Snellen equivalent) at last follow-up ( p = 0.043). Compared to baseline, CMT, FCP, and max_fluid significantly decreased at all visits after the surgery ( p < 0.05 for all visits). At last follow-up, 66.6% of the eyes (four eyes) showed complete resolution of fluid at a mean of 5.25 ± 4.99 months (range: 1–12 months) after the surgery. Conclusion: PPV with ILM plug seemed to be an effective surgical technique in ODP-M. Studies with longer follow-up and higher number of patients are needed to confirm our results.

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A Novel Retensioning Technique for Arthroscopic Repair of PASTA Lesions: A Clinical and Radiologic Outcome Study of 24 Shoulders

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120986884 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712098688

Author(s):

Su Cheol Kim ◽

Jong Ho Jung ◽

Sang Min Lee ◽

Jae Chul Yoo

Keyword(s):

Constant Score ◽

Case Series ◽

Tendon Healing ◽

Shoulder Abduction ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Simple Shoulder Test ◽

Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽

Functional Scores ◽

The Mean

Background: There is no consensus on the ideal treatment for partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions without tendon damage. Purpose: To introduce a novel “retensioning technique” for arthroscopic PASTA repair and to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of this technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients whose PASTA lesion was treated using the retensioning technique between January 2011 and December 2015. The mean ± SD patient age was 57.6 ± 7.0 years (range, 43-71 years), and the mean follow-up period was 57.6 ± 23.4 months (range, 24.0-93.7 months). Sutures were placed at the edge of the PASTA lesion, tensioned, and fixed to lateral-row anchors. After surgery, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functional scores (visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, VAS for function, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Korean Shoulder Score) were evaluated at regular outpatient visits; at 6 months postoperatively, repair integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: At 12 months postoperatively, all ROM variables were improved compared with preoperative values, and shoulder abduction was improved significantly (136.00° vs 107.08°; P = .009). At final follow-up (>24 months), the VAS pain, VAS function, and ASES scores improved, from 6.39, 4.26, and 40.09 to 1.00, 8.26, and 85.96, respectively (all P < .001). At 6 months postoperatively, 21 of the 24 patients (87.5%) underwent follow-up MRI; the postoperative repair integrity was Sugaya type 1 or 2 for all of these patients, and 13 patients showed complete improvement of the lesion compared with preoperatively. Conclusion: The retensioning technique showed improved ROM and pain and functional scores as well as good tendon healing on MRI scans at 6-month follow-up in the majority of patients. Thus, the retensioning technique appears to be reliable procedure for the PASTA lesion.

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Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects in the Knee: A Follow-up Study

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120981872 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 232596712098187

Author(s):

Justus Gille ◽

Ellen Reiss ◽

Moritz Freitag ◽

Jan Schagemann ◽

Matthias Steinwachs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Case Series ◽

Defect Size ◽

Lysholm Score ◽

Outcome Analysis ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Chondral Defects ◽

The Mean

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a well-established treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of AMIC for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A multisite prospective registry recorded demographic data and outcomes for patients who underwent repair of chondral defects. In total, 131 patients were included in the study. Lysholm, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were used for outcome analysis. Across all patients, the mean ± SD age of patients was 36.6 ± 11.7 years. The mean body weight was 80.0 ± 16.8 kg, mean height was 176.3 ± 7.9 cm, and mean defect size was 3.3 ± 1.8 cm2. Defects were classified as Outerbridge grade III or IV. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes across all time points. Results: The median follow-up time for the patients in this cohort was 4.56 ± 2.92 years. Significant improvement ( P < .001) in all scores was observed at 1 to 2 years after AMIC, and improved values were noted up to 7 years postoperatively. Among all patients, the mean preoperative Lysholm score was 46.9 ± 19.6. At the 1-year follow-up, a significantly higher mean Lysholm score was noted, with maintenance of the favorable outcomes at 7-year follow-up. The KOOS also showed a significant improvement of postoperative values compared with preoperative data. The mean VAS had significantly decreased during the 7-year follow-up. Age, sex, and defect size did not have a significant effect on the outcomes. Conclusion: AMIC is an effective method of treating chondral defects of the knee and leads to reliably favorable results up to 7 years postoperatively.

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