Allogeneic vascularized transplantation in cases of bone and joint defects

This paper presents preliminary results of allogeneic vascularized transplantations of three femoral diaphyses and four total human knee joints. Grafts were harvested from multi-organ-donors and immediately transplanted. Osteosyntheses were performed employing intramedullary nails. Vascular pedicles of the grafts were anastomosed in end-to-side technique. Immunosuppression mainly based on Cyclosporine and Azathioprine. Grafts' perfusion was demonstrated by DSA and Duplex-sonogramms, bone metabolism by SPECT-scintigraphy. Five months following transplantation osteotomies demonstrated consolidation in conventional X-rays. Biopsies of the grafted bone revealed intact osteocytes and arthroscopy demonstrated intact synovial, chondral and ligamentous structures. From the technical aspect vascularized transplantation of the femoral diaphyses and total knee joints is feasible. The main problems are of immunologic nature. Transplantations were performed respecting the ABO-compatibility but with a large HLA-mismatch. Acute and chronic rejection crises may damage the grafts. At least in synovial joints livelong immunosuppression of the recipients seems to be unavoidable.     

Allogeneic vascularized transplantation in cases of bone and joint defects

This paper presents preliminary results of allogeneic vascularized transplantations of three femoral diaphyses and four total human knee joints. Grafts were harvested from multi-organ-donors and immediately transplanted. Osteosyntheses were performed employing intramedullary nails. Vascular pedicles of the grafts were anastomosed in end-to-side technique. Immunosuppression mainly based on Cyclosporine and Azathioprine. Grafts' perfusion was demonstrated by DSA and Duplex-sonograms, bone metabolism by SPECT-scintigraphy. Five months following transplantation osteotomies demonstrated consolidation in conventional X-rays. Biopsies of the grafted bone revealed intact osteocytes and arthroscopy demonstrated intact synovial, chondral and ligamentous structures. From the technical aspect vascularized transplantation of the femoral diaphyses and total knee joints is feasible. The main problems are of immunologic nature. Transplantations were performed respecting the ABO-compatibility but with a large HLA-mismatch. Acute and chronic rejection crises may damage the grafts. At least in synovial joints live-long immunosuppression of the recipients seems to be unavoidable.     

Vascularised knee joint transplantation in man: the first two years experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our early experience with a new technique for restoring destroyed knee joints to give reasonable functional results. DESIGN: Observational clinical trial. SETTING: Level-1-Trauma centre, Germany. SUBJECTS: 5 patients with large bone defects of the knee and loss of the extensor apparatus caused either by serious injury alone, or infection after serious injury. INTERVENTIONS: Transplantation of fresh and perfused knee joints with a vascular pedicle from multiorgan donors under immunosuppression. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Ability to walk, need to remove one transplanted joint. RESULTS: Four patients are able to walk, the range of movement being from 50 degrees-120 degrees. The first patient additionally had to be provided with a total knee joint arthroplasty. In the third patient the graft became infected and had to be removed. She finally had an arthrodesis and bone lengthening by the Ilizarov technique. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of the knee joint may be an alternative to bone lengthening or amputation for patients with total loss of the extensor apparatus.     

复合自体骨髓的冷冻异体犬足趾关节移植实验研究

目的探讨经过多重钻孔并复合自体骨髓的冷冻异体犬足趾关节移植的疗效. 方法 24只健康成年杂交犬,制备双侧后肢第2足趾近侧趾间关节1.5 cm缺损模型,共48侧,随机分成A、B、C 3组(n=16).分别采用新鲜自体趾间关节(A组)、经钻孔并复合自体新鲜骨髓的冷冻异体趾间关节(B组)及单纯冷冻异体趾间关节(C组)修复缺损.于术后1、3、6和12个月分别行X线摄片和组织病理学检查,了解移植骨关节的成活情况. 结果根据移植关节术后X线片和组织学改变,犬趾骨关节移植后的病变可分为轻度、中度和重度变性3级.A组移植骨关节3～12个月始终表现为轻度变性;B组移植骨关节1～6个月为轻度变性,骨孔中央软骨内成骨现象明显,12个月部分移植骨关节为中度变性;C组从1个月出现移植骨关节中度变性,3个月移植骨关节重度变性. 结论冷冻异体犬足趾关节内多重钻孔并复合自体新鲜骨髓,能有效延缓异体骨关节的早、中期变性,单纯冷冻异体骨关节移植后早期可能发生严重变性.     

Dual massive skeletal allograft in revision total knee arthroplasty

The reconstruction of large uncontained defects represents a major challenge to the revision total knee surgeon, and the outcome of the revision often depends on the management of these bone deficiencies. We report the first successful use of both complete distal femoral and proximal tibia massive allografts in the reconstruction of large femoral and tibial uncontained defects during revision total knee arthroplasty. At the five-year follow up, we did not find any infection, graft failure or loosening of implant, in spite of using two massive structural allografts in a single revision total knee arthroplasty.     

结构性植骨修复膝关节翻修术中严重骨缺损的临床效果及相关分析

目的探讨同种异体结构性植骨在膝关节翻修术中大块骨缺损中应用的临床效果和意义。方法1994～2001年芬兰坦佩雷大学医院应用单一翻修假体及同种异体骨结构性植骨治疗膝关节置换术大块骨缺损患者10例（膝）,男1例,女9例,平均年龄70岁（61—77岁）,平均随访5年（1～8年）,所有手术均由两名高年资专科医师执行,采取KSS评分评估术前术后膝关节功能。结果最后随访时,患者膝关节KSS评分由术前的平均39分（4～51分）提高至81分（28—102分;P〈0．05）;疼痛评分由术前的18分（0—30分）提高至42分（10—50分;P〈0．05）。2例出现假体周围透亮线（〈1mm）,但没有任何松动症状;所有结构性植骨均获得满意的愈合,最后随访时没有出现吸收征象,1例患者术后出现膝前疼痛,经髌骨表面置换后症状消失。结论同种异体骨结构性植骨应用在膝关节翻修术中大块骨缺损中可取得满意的临床效果,重建下肢力线、第三代骨水泥技术的应用及有由专科医师实施手术是获得良好临床效果的保证。     

Long-term viability of articular cartilage after microsurgical whole-joint transplantation and immunosuppression with rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus

The survival or rejection of articular cartilage in heterotopic vascularized joint transplants in rats immunosuppressed with rapamycin (SDZ RAD), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and tacrolimus was evaluated histologically up to 1 year after surgery. The vascularized knee joint of an ACI donor rat was transplanted to the groin of a Lewis recipient rat. Nonimmunosuppressed allografts were evaluated after 6 weeks and 3 months, and immunosuppressed allografts and control isografts were evaluated after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. No rejection was seen in the control isografts. All allografts without immunosuppression were rejected at 6 weeks and 3 months. Eighteen of 21 knee joint transplants immunosuppressed with SDZ RAD and 17 of 22 knee joint transplants immunosuppressed with MMF were rejected between 6 weeks and 1 year. SDZ RAD and MMF caused significant side effects including compromised wound healing and bone marrow suppression culminating in weight loss and death. Eighteen of 19 knee joints immunosuppressed with tacrolimus showed no signs of rejection up to 1 year after surgery. Long-term intermittent immunosuppression with tacrolimus was significantly superior to SDZ RAD and MMF in preventing rejection of the transplanted articular cartilage of a vascularized knee joint allograft up to 1 year after surgery.     

Die Verwendung von frischen Allografts bei der Osteochondrosis dissecans am lateralen Femurkondylus

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction of joint surface by using allografts to fill extensive bone-cartilage defects. INDICATIONS: Bone-cartilage defects ranging from a diagonal length of at least 3 cm and a depth of minimum 1 cm to maximum the entire lateral femoral condyle, e. g., following trauma, in the case of osteochondrosis dissecans, or following the resection of benign tumors. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Arthrosis. Minor or superficial cartilage defects. Bipolar defects. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The transplant bed is reamed precisely into the recipient's knee, the donor knee is opened, the block required for transplantation is measured, prepared and press-fit inserted. A straight leg axis is required for a good surgical result. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: No weight bearing on the operated leg, two underarm crutches for 10 weeks, then partial weight bearing and further increase in weight bearing depending on postoperative allograft healing. CT follow-ups to assess postoperative healing of the transplant after 3 and after 8-12 months. Sporting activities that put pressure on the knee joint should not be undertaken until at least 1 year after surgery; cycling and swimming-depending on the CT-from the 6th postoperative month onward. RESULTS: Three male patients aged 21 (n = 2) and 28 (n = 1) were operated on for osteochondrosis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle and observed for an average of 26 months. Postoperative healing of the transplanted tissue was confirmed in all patients by means of CT. For two of them, the vitality of the transplant was confirmed by means of MRT and contrast agents, and good postoperative healing of the transplant was also represented arthroscopically. All patients were subjectively satisfied, without complaints, and had improved range of motion in the operated knee.     

Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy in patients with posttraumatic medial tibial plateau bone defect: A case report

IntroductionTraumatic uncontained bone defect in the knee joint is one of the most serious knee injuries. As the knee joint is the main weight-bearing joint of the body, the problem of weight loading should be addressed while restoring the bone defect. However, no consensus exists regarding the treatment of this injury.Presentation of caseTwo patients in separate cases initially sustained traumatic uncontained proximal tibial bone defects secondary to passenger traffic accidents. After recovery from the initial trauma, these patients underwent medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and femoral head allograft augmentation simultaneously.DiscussionTreatment of traumatic uncontained bone defect in the knee joint should be considered separately as tumorous or osteoarthritic bone defects. Especially, the effects of the defective supporting soft tissue structures should be considered.ConclusionWe considered that MOWHTO was capable of solving problems of both bone stock restoration and weight loading. After the operation, the patients’ knee joint pain was relieved and stable ambulation was possible.     

Vascularized whole knee joint allografts in rabbits immunosuppressed with cyclosporin A

To develop the surgical model, whole knee joints including the distal femur, proximal tibia, and joint capsule, were raised on a vascular pedicle and then replanted at the same site. Rigid fixation of the bones was achieved using two mini-plates on the tibia and femur. Revascularization of the knee was accomplished by end-to-end anastomosis of the popliteal vessels using standard microvascular techniques, and the vascular and neural supplies to the lower leg and foot were preserved. A total of 21 vascularized whole knee allografts were then similarly performed on a microvascular pedicle between two incompatible strains of rabbit. In a control group of six adult animals, no immunosuppression was administered. Two of these joints were harvested at 1 week and had patent popliteal arteries. The remaining four joints were harvested at 2-3 weeks when they were deteriorating and were found to have occluded popliteal vessels by arteriography. Eight adult allograft recipients were immunosuppressed with cyclosporin A (CyA) at 15 mg/kg per day. One allograft failed at 10 days due to femoral fracture. None of the remaining seven were rejected acutely, and three of them had patent vessels by arteriography and live bone and cartilage by light microscopy when harvested 100 days after transplantation. In another group, seven knee joints were allografted into immature rabbits immunosuppressed with CyA. Again, none rejected acutely, and 90 days later two of the seven allografts had patent vessels by arteriography, growth by serial radiographs, and live bone and cartilage by histological examination. This pilot study suggests that CyA will be useful as an immunosuppressive agent in the study of vascularized bone and cartilage transplantation, and that experimental epiphyseal plate allografting is possible in rabbits.     

Allogenic grafting of vascularized bone segments under immunosuppression. Clinical results in the transplantation of femoral diaphyses

Trauma surgery lack, substitute, for the reconstruction of large defects of the long bones. Encouraged by the promising results of bone allotransplantation in animal models, we successfully performed vascularized bone transplantation in humans. Vascularized femoral diaphyses were allogenically transplanted into three patients suffering from chondrosarcoma or post-traumatic osteomyelitis with postoperative immunosuppression. The bone segments were harvested from multi-organ donors and perfused with UW solution. After back-table preparation, the grafts were transplanted into the defect zone. Interlocking devices were used in these operations. Vascular anastomoses were performed in end-to-side technique. The early clinical course of the patients was not free of anatomical, technical, or immunological complications. However, all patients are currently free of malignancy and infection. They are also free of pain and full weight bearing. We conclude that allogenic grafting of vascularized bone segments has the potential to become an alternative for the replacement of large bone defects. Received: 21 July 1997 Received after revision: 17 December 1997 Accepted: 9 January 1998     

Bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty: classification and management

The goal of bone reconstruction in revision total knee arthroplasty is to provide a stable support for the implant and to re-establish the correct joint line. Therefore, a useful, therapy-based classification of the defects is necessary. According to Stockley et al. (1992), the defects are classified into contained and uncontained defects. Uncontained defects can be reconstructed using structural allografts or metal wedges. In contained defects, cancellous allograft can be used. For aseptic loosening of total knee arthroplasty, the defect classification according to Engh and Parks (1994) can be helpful because of its recommendations for reconstruction. In case of the more common first or second graded defects, reconstruction is performed using modular revision components or allografts. For the rare third graded defects, bulk allografts or modular tumour endoprostheses are recommended. On the basis of more than 150 revision total knee arthroplasties performed in our hospital the classification of bone defects and their clinical consequences are presented in this review.     

Three-Year Follow Up Utilizing Tantal Cones in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

There still is no consensus on the treatment of choice in revision knee arthroplasty associated with severe femoral and/or tibial bone loss. A total of 44 patients underwent revision knee arthroplasty procedures using porous tantalum cones (TM cones) to reconstruct tibial and/or femoral bone defects. At latest follow up after 37 months (32–48), 38 patients remained in the study. Tibial and femoral bone loss was categorized according to the AORI-Classification. The average preoperative KSS improved from 34 (range, 6–90) to 63 points (range, 7–90 points). The VAS improved from 7.5 to 4.8. Two patients required a re-revision due to aseptic loosening. There was no correlation between the different types of knee prosthesis implanted. Our study shows favourable clinical and radiological outcomes using TM cones in managing significant bone loss in revision total knee surgery.     

Distal femoral replacement with allograft/prosthetic reconstruction for treatment of supracondylar fractures in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Large-segment distal femoral allografts were used in conjunction with non-linked total knee prostheses to reconstruct bone deficits following supracondylar fracture of the femur in seven patients with previous total knee arthroplasties. Three patients with multiple medical problems died of unrelated causes prior to a minimum 2 year follow-up. Indications for surgery were previously failed attempts at osteosynthesis and significant fracture comminution, osteopenia, and intercondylar extension or femoral component loosening. Specifics of the surgical technique included subperiosteal excision of the involved distal femur with retention of a soft tissue sleeve containing the collateral ligaments and reconstruction with a large-segment allograft and a stemmed, semiconstrained total knee prosthesis. Cement fixation using pressurized technique with intramedullary plugging of the tibial and femoral canal was routinely used to secure the prosthesis/allograft construct to the host bone. Postoperative complications included one dislocation, which was successfully treated closed, and one popliteal artery injury, which was successfully repaired. There were no postoperative infections. Two patients, however, had some degree of persistent instability, warranting bracing at the time of last follow-up. Using the Knee Society rating system, the average knee score for these patients was 71, and the average pain score and function score were 33 and 49, respectively. Range of motion averaged 96 degrees. All of the femoral components were well fixed at last follow-up. Results of this study indicate that large-segment distal femoral allografts used in conjunction with nonlinked knee prostheses can be an acceptable method of treatment of these difficult reconstructive problems.     

Reconstruction of severe uncontained bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

We report on a 54-year-old rheumatoid arthritic female patient with uncontained type-III tibial and femoral bone defects at the time of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The knee was reconstructed using a structural distal femoral allograft and a stemmed, semi-constrained knee prosthesis. We achieved the re-alignment of a severe preoperative valgus deformity of 40 degrees. Due to postoperative wound complications we had to perform a gastrocnemius muscle flap. At two-year follow-up the patient was free of pain and the Knee Society Score improved from 18 to 156 (p < 0.01). Radiographs revealed no loosening of the prosthetic components and progressive incorporation of the graft. Reconstruction of extensive uncontained bone defects in revision of TKA in rheumatoid arthritis can be managed by structural allografts; however, wound complications in those patients might necessitate soft tissue techniques.     

Structural allografting in revision total knee arthroplasty

Between 1985 and 1991, 15 patients underwent structural allografting as part of revision total knee arthroplasty. All patients had large segmental, cavitary, or combination defects of the femur and/or tibia. Seven distal femurs and 12 proximal tibias required allografting. Patients were evaluated with physical examination, radiographs, and The Hospital for Special Surgery knee rating scale. Three patients died, leaving 15 allografts for follow-up study. The average age at surgery was 63 years. The follow-up period averaged 47 months (range, 30–101 months). Average range of motion before surgery was 4° to 93°, and after surgery, 2° to 104°. Average knee score was 47 before and 86 after surgery. Preoperative alignment averaged 5° varus, ranging from 25° valgus to 20° varus, and postoperative alignment averaged 4° valgus, ranging from neutral to 6° valgus. All patients, except one, had improvement of pain and stability. All of the 15 allografts healed to host—bone and 13 showed evidence of incorporation. There were no infections or fractures of the allografts. One complication directly related to the allograft occurred; that patient had a tibial component fracture over a proximal tibial allograft 3 years after surgery. Three other complications occurred. One was tibial loosening in a patient who received a distal femoral allograft, the second was a proximal tibial fracture in a patient who received a distal femoral allograft, and the third was an intraoperative patellar tendon avulsion. These results suggest that structural allografting can provide a satisfactory method of managing large bone defects in the failed total knee arthroplasty.     

吻合血管节段性腓骨移植修复邻近关节巨大腔性骨缺损

目的：邻近关节骨肿瘤或肿瘤样病变切除后的修复。方法：仿据排骨血供的特性,设计吻合血管腓骨多节段移植,修复胫骨上端、股骨下端及股骨近端骨缺损。结果：临床应用10例,经术后3个月随访,移植骨愈合良好,关节功能恢复令人满意。结论：采用该方法,修复邻近关节骨肿瘤切除后巨大腔性骨缺损,远优于吻合血管或单纯松质骨植入,从根本上避免或替代了异体半关节移植。     

全髋关节翻修术中骨缺损的重建

目的观察异体骨移植在全髋关节翻修术中骨缺损重建的临床价值。方法对1996年6月～2000年12月收治的19例全髋关节翻修术的患者进行回顾性分析,其中男11例,平均年龄66.5岁,女8例,平均年龄63.2岁。髋臼骨缺损类型为Ⅰ型2髋,Ⅱ型10髋,Ⅲ型4髋;股骨骨缺损类型为Ⅰ型3髋,Ⅱ型11髋,Ⅲ型2髋;髋臼及股骨无明显缺损患者4例。骨缺损重建方法包括髋臼结构性植骨3例,髋臼内压紧颗粒骨植骨3例,髋臼内金属网垫植骨3例,髋臼、股骨压紧颗粒骨植骨6例7髋,股骨结构性植骨3例,金属网加强颗粒骨植骨2例,股骨压紧颗粒骨植骨4例,4例患者未行植骨。应用Harris评分标准及X线分别评价翻修术后临床转归及移植骨愈合情况。结果19例患者平均随访46个月(6～68个月),随访患者的Harris评分由翻修术前的平均42.7分(24～59分)增至术后的平均82.7分(55～99分),15例16髋异体骨植骨患者X线片显示1例髋臼结构性植骨部分吸收,髋臼松动,须行翻修术;1例髋臼松动,无症状;3例有X线透亮带。无感染发生。结论全髋关节翻修术中,根据骨缺损类型,选用相应的异体骨移植是一种可靠而有效的方法。     

Direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction with tumour prosthesis for periprosthetic knee infection associated with segmental bone defects

Revision knee arthroplasty for infection poses a treatment challenge. The presence of massive osteolysis limits the treatment options in this cohort. Controversy exists in the management of these patients. Direct exchange arthroplasty has provided good results in the presence of infection, but whether this is appropriate in the presence of massive bone defects associated with the infection is undetermined. We present our experience in revision knee arthroplasty for infection associated with massive bone defects. The aim of the study is to present the preliminary results of a direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction with tumour prosthesis for periprosthetic infection associated with segmental bone defects. This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data, involving six patients with periprosthetic infection and massive bone defects treated by direct exchange tumour prostheses between 2003 and 2007 (four distal femoral replacements and two total femoral replacements). The mean age and follow-up were 74.2 (±5.2) years and 32.5 (±8.2) months respectively. Each patient had an infected revised knee arthroplasty at the time of referral to our institution. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causal organism. The mean duration of antibiotics was 6 weeks intravenous therapy followed by 3.5 months oral. The recurrences of infection, pain or immobility were outcome criteria considered failures. Our success rate was 80%. Salvage of infected revised knee arthroplasty by direct exchange endoprosthetic reconstruction has provided an effective means of pain relief, joint stability and improved mobility in our cohort. It reduces morbidity through earlier mobilisation and avoids a second major operation.     

Distal femoral allograft reconstruction for massive osteolytic bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty

Massive osteolytic bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty has been an uncommon challenge. From 2001 to 2002, 11 knees in 10 patients underwent revision of failed modular PFC (Johnson and Johnson Orthopaedics, Raynham, Mass) total knee arthroplasties with distal femoral allografts and long-stemmed revision implants for massive osteolytic induced femoral bone loss. The mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 36-48 months). Radiographic graft incorporation was demonstrated in all 11 knees with no cases of loosening. The Knee Society Pain Scores improved by an average of 25.4 points, and the function scores improved by an average of 23.3 points. The outcomes of distal femoral allografts in the reconstruction of massive osteolytic bone loss associated with failed modular PFC (Johnson and Johnson Orthopaedics) total knee arthroplasties are favorable.