Persistent bone marrow edema after osteochondral autograft transplantation in the knee joint

Background and objective

The assessment of bone marrow edema-like signal intensity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients after osteochondral autograft transplantation (OCT) in the knee joint is a parameter of yet indefinite value. This study determines the prevalence of persistent edema-like signal intensity in OCT patients and evaluates the correlation between edema and morphological imaging findings of the graft and clinical pain symptoms.

Materials and methods

In this longitudinal observational study, 10 patients after OCT were followed by MRI prospectively 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-operatively. All MR examinations were performed on a 1.0 T MR unit with the same protocol using a modified scoring system (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue—MOCART) for evaluation. Edema-like signal intensity in and beneath the osteochondral graft was assessed in its prevalence and graded using a coronal short tau inversion recovery fast spin echo (STIR-FSE) sequence: grade 1, normal; grade 2, moderate (diameter <2 cm); grade 3, severe (diameter >2 cm). The finding of edema-like signal intensity was correlated with graded parameters describing the morphology of the repair tissue assessed in a sagittal dual FSE sequence including: (a) surface of repair tissue: grade 1, intact; grade 2, damaged. (b) Cartilage interface: grade 1, complete; grade 2, incomplete. (c) Bone interface: grade 1, complete; grade 2, delamination. The finding of edema-like signal intensity was also correlated with the KOOS pain score assessing knee pain after 12 months.

Results

Initially, after 1 month the prevalence of edema-like signal intensity was 70% (7/10 patients) and finally after 24 months 60% (6/10 patients). We found no significant relationship between the prevalence and degree of edema-like signal intensity and parameters describing the morphology of the repair tissue. Also the clinical pain score did not show significant correlation with edema.

Conclusion

Persistent bone marrow edema-like signal intensity in MRI is frequently found in patients after OCT and may post-operatively continue for years without significant relation to delamination and loss of the graft and knee pain.     

Osteochondral autograft transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow in juvenile baseball players: minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral autografts have recently become popular to treat articular cartilage defects, and they are used for unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions as a means of biological fixation. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of osteochondral autograft transfer for osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Osteochondral autograft transfer was performed on 18 baseball players (mean age, 13.6 years) with osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow. These included 9 lesions that were grade 3 (separated but in situ) and 9 lesions that were grade 4 (displaced fragment with osteochondral defect) based on magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were evaluated with a scoring system, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging, with the mean follow-up at 3.5 years. RESULTS: In patients with grade 3 lesions, the subjective score was increased, but the objective score did not change. Six of 9 patients returned to their previous sports performance levels. One quit baseball because of academic reasons, 1 changed his position, and 1 changed to softball. In patients with grade 4 lesions, both subjective and objective scores were increased significantly. All but 1 patient returned to their previous sports performance levels. In the 3 grade 4 lesions with a wide osteochondral defect, the irregularity of the articular surface remained on magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Osteochondral autograft transplantation is a useful treatment for reattachment of the lesion as well as osteochondral resurfacing of elbow osteochondritis dissecans.     

Osteochondral allograft transplantation

Experience with fresh osteochondral allografting for cartilage defects in the knee now extends two decades. Clinical outcomes and basic scientific investigations have supported the theoretic basis for this procedure. At the University of California, San Diego, our experience has encouraged us to continue to offer this procedure as a primary treatment for both large and small articular cartilage defects in the young knee. The success rate of fresh osteochondral allografting, particularly in isolated femoral condylar defects, compares favorably with other presently available cartilage repair and resurfacing techniques. In our second hundred cases, which we are currently evaluating, failure of monopolar allografts has been exceedingly rare in short-term follow-up. Fresh osteochondral allografting also appears to be effective in treating larger osteochondral lesions, where there are few other attractive alternatives. Fresh osteochondral allografts can thus be used to treat a wide spectrum of articular pathology. Technical refinements, and improvement in our understanding of graft-host interaction, as well as chondrocyte biology, should continue to improve clinical results. Disadvantages of fresh osteochondral allografting include the relative paucity of donor tissue, complexities in procurement and handling, and the possibility of disease transmission through the transplantation of fresh tissue. At present, only institutions that have overcome these obstacles seem capable of routinely performing this type of articular cartilage transplantation. In the future, as tissue banking and cartilage storage technology advance, fresh allograft tissue may become more available, allowing more widespread use of fresh osteochondral allografting in the treatment of articular cartilage lesions.     

Osteochondral transplantation using autografts from the upper tibio-fibular joint for the treatment of knee cartilage lesions

Purpose

Treatment of large cartilage lesions of the knee in weight-bearing areas is still a controversy and challenging topic. Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty has proven to be a valid option for treatment but donor site morbidity with most frequently used autografts remains a source of concern. This study aims to assess clinical results and safety profile of autologous osteochondral graft from the upper tibio-fibular joint applied to reconstruct symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the knee.

Methods

Thirty-one patients (22 men and 9 women) with grade 4 cartilage lesions in the knee were operated by mosaicplasty technique using autologous osteochondral graft from the upper tibio-fibular joint, between 1998 and 2006. Clinical assessment included visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Lysholm score. All patients were evaluated by MRI pre- and post-operatively regarding joint congruency as good, fair (inferior to 1 mm incongruence), and poor (incongruence higher than 1 mm registered in any frame). Donor zone status was evaluated according to specific protocol considering upper tibio-fibular joint instability, pain, neurological complications, lateral collateral ligament insufficiency, or ankle complaints.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 30.1 years (SD 12.2). In respect to lesion sites, 22 were located in weight-bearing area of medial femoral condyle, 7 in lateral femoral condyle, 1 in trochlea, and 1 in patella. Mean follow-up was 110.1 months (SD 23.2). Mean area of lesion was 3.3 cm² (SD 1.7), and a variable number of cylinders were used, mean 2.5 (SD 1.3). Mean VAS score improved from 47.1 (SD 10.1) to 20.0 (SD 11.5); p = 0.00. Similarly, mean Lysholm score increased from 45.7 (SD 4.5) to 85.3 (SD 7.0); p = 0.00. The level of patient satisfaction was evaluated, and 28 patients declared to be satisfied/very satisfied and would do surgery again, while 3 declared as unsatisfied with the procedure and would not submit to surgery again. These three patients had lower clinical scores and kept complaints related to the original problem but unrelated to donor zone. MRI score significantly improved at 18–24 months comparing with pre-operative (p = 0.004). No radiographic or clinical complications related to donor zone with implication in activity were registered.

Conclusions

This work corroborates that mosaicplasty technique using autologous osteochondral graft from the upper tibio-fibular joint is effective to treat osteochondral defects in the knee joint. No relevant complications related to donor zone were registered.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.     

Osteochondral autologous transplantation versus microfracture for the treatment of articular cartilage defects in the knee joint in athletes

The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical study was to compare the outcomes of mosaic type autologous osteochondral transplantation (OAT) and microfracture (MF) procedures for the treatment of the articular cartilage defects of the knee joint in athletes. Between 1998 and 2002, a total of 57 athletes with a mean age of 24.3 years and with a symptomatic lesion of the articular cartilage in the knee were randomized to undergo either OAT or MF procedure. There were 28 athletes in OAT group and 29 in MF group. Patients were evaluated using a modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scores, MRI and clinical assessment after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the surgery. According to the modified HSS and ICRS scores, functional and objective assessment showed that 96% had excellent or good results after OAT compared with 52% after MF procedure (P<0.001). In 12, 24 and 36 months after the operations, the HSS and ICRS showed statistically significantly better results in the OAT group (P=0.03; P=0.006; P=0.006). Twenty-six (93%) athletes following OAT and fifteen (52%) athletes following MF returned to sports activities at the preinjury level at an average of 6.5 months (range, 4–8 months) after the operations. At an average of 37.1 months follow-up, our prospective, randomized, clinical study in athletes has shown significant superiority of the OAT over MF for the repair of articular cartilage defects in the knee.     

Osteochondral allografts in the treatment of articular cartilage injuries of the knee

Osteochondral allografts have demonstrated encouraging clinical and scientific success in the treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage defects in multiple anatomic locations including the knee. The use of fresh grafts has shown the greatest potential for clinical success. There has been growing interest in cryopreservation techniques and the use of cryopreserved grafts owing to the delay in obtaining grafts secondary to regulatory testing, encouraging laboratory data surrounding their use, and the potential for more effective tissue banking. This article reviews the indications, operative technique, and clinical outcomes using osteochondral allografts for full-thickness articular cartilage defects in the knee.     

自体镶嵌式骨软骨移植修复膝关节软骨缺损

目的 探讨膝关节软骨缺损的修复方法。方法 6例膝关节软骨缺损患者，关节镜下在其非负重区的软骨面上，用专用器械凿取圆柱状的骨软骨，并移植至软骨缺损部位，用于修复缺损。结果 随访2～24个月，患者的临床症状消失，关节活动度正常，MRI显示原软骨缺损区软骨表面平整，移植的骨软骨柱位置良好。结论 自体镶嵌式骨软骨移植术创伤小、操作简单、能保持关节面的曲度，是较为实用的手术。     

异种(猪)去细胞真皮基质与自体微粒皮及自体刃厚皮复合移植的比较研究

目的　比较异种 (猪 )去细胞真皮基质 (PADM)与自体刃厚皮、PADM与自体微粒和同种异体皮以及自体微粒皮加同种异体皮覆盖烧伤创面后愈合质量的差异。方法　72只SD大鼠背部全层皮肤缺损创面分别用PADM +自体刃厚皮 (实验组I)、PADM +自体微粒皮 +同种异体皮 (实验组II)和微粒皮 +同种异体皮 (对照组 )覆盖 ,术后定期观察创面愈合情况并计算植皮成活率和收缩率 ,同时行组织学观察。结果　实验组I、II复合皮外观较平整 ,植皮成活率高 ,收缩程度轻 ,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ,且实验组I创面愈合情况优于实验组II。组织学观察实验组I、II上皮化良好 ,胶原纤维排列有序 ,基底膜结构完整。结论　异种 (猪 )去细胞真皮基质与自体刃厚皮覆盖烧伤创面后愈合质量最佳 ,异种 (猪 )去细胞真皮基质与自体微粒和同种异体皮覆盖烧伤创面后愈合质量次之 ,但明显优于微粒皮加同种异体皮组。     

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the iliotibial band autograft in patients with chronic knee instability

We performed combined internal and external anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the iliotibial band autograft in 169 consecutive patients with chronic ACL insufficiency who were followed up for 24-61 months. Of these, 155 (91%) agreed to an additional independent observer follow-up after 24-92 months. Eight patients (5%) had sustained a rerupture/elongation of the graft and were operated on again; nine (6%) had sustained a tear of the contralateral ACL. Knee function and activity increased after the reconstruction. Lysholm scores improved from median 81 preoperatively to 99 at follow-up and Tegner scores from median 4 to 7. At follow-up 97 (71%) were active at the same level as prior to injury. In 17 of the 40 patients (12%) dropping to a lower activity level this was due to knee problems. The side-to-side difference in anterior-posterior knee laxity was more than 3 mm in 18 knees (13%) and more than 5 mm in 3 knees (2%). Including eight reruptures, this results in a "stability" failure rate of 8.8%. The overall IKCD rating showed normal knee function in 88 (73%) and nearly normal knee function in 30 (25%). Anterior knee pain was present in 14 (10%) of the patients at follow-up. Patients with isolated ACL injury had higher Lysholm scores and Tegner scores than patients with associated injuries. No clinical signs of varus knee development were seen. Of the 155 patients 94% would have the procedure repeated if necessary with the knowledge that they have today. The combined internal and external iliotibial band procedure can restore knee stability and function in the majority of chronic ACL-insufficient knees.     

Allograft osteochondral transplantation in the knee in the active duty population

The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of allograft osteochondral transplantation in the knee in the active duty population, focusing on the patient's ability to remain on active duty following the procedure. A retrospective review was performed on all active duty patients undergoing allograft osteochondral transplantation surgery of the knee at our institution from 2003 to 2011. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics and treatment details. Eighteen patients underwent osteochondral transplantation surgery from 2003 to 2011. One of the patients is still in the acute recovery phase of their procedure (<1 year since surgery), and one patient was already in the medical evaluation board (MEB) process at the time of surgery. Of the remaining sixteen patients, nine have either entered or completed the MEB since surgery. Six of the seven patients who have stayed on active duty remain on activity-restricting profiles. The average time from surgery to MEB for these patients was 23.2 months. In the setting of the unique demands of active duty soldiers, osteochondral allograft transplantation does not appear to be conducive to retention on active duty.     

Arthroscopic stabilization of the lateral capsule of the knee in meniscal transplantation

Extrusion of the meniscus has been reported as a complication after meniscus transplantation. Previous reports showed extrusion after meniscal allograft transplantation was associated with development of the osteoarthritis. In this study, a surgical technique is described to tentatively prevent extrusion of the meniscus.     

Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for meniscus replacement – meniscal allograft transplantation and tendon autograft transplantation

Open, arthroscopically assisted and arthroscopic methods for lateral and medial meniscus allograft transplantation with bone plug fixation are described. An open technique for medial and lateral meniscus transplantation without bone plug fixation, as well as an open technique for autograft quadriceps tendon replacement of the medial meniscus are described.     

Arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transplantation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A preliminary clinical study

The high incidence of chondral defects of the femoral condyles associated with chronic ACL tears is widely recognised. However, treatment is difficult and controversial. This preliminary report presents our experience with arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transplantation in ACL-deficient knees. The series consists of 12 cases of arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transplantation in conjunction with ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft; eight procedures were primary, and four were revisions of failed synthetic grafts. The patients' ages ranged from 22 to 42 years. There were ten male and two female patients. Chondral lesions in this series ranged from 10 to 22 mm in diameter. Donor site was selected prior to notchplasty, and three to five osteochondral cylinders, 5–10 mm in diameter, 10–15 mm long, were harvested. Improved surgical technique, tubular cutting instruments enabling minimal damage to harvested articular cartilage, and press-fit insertion yielded promising uniform results in ten of 12 cases with 2 years' follow-up. This study addresses the important issue of articular cartilage defects in ACL-deficient knees and possible prevention of premature joint degeneration. The aim of arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transplantation is to slow down the development of osteoarthrosis.     

Osteochondral defects in the human knee: influence of defect size on cartilage rim stress and load redistribution to surrounding cartilage

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of osteochondral defect size on defect rim stress concentration, peak rim stress, and load redistribution to adjacent cartilage over the weightbearing area of the medial and lateral femoral condyles in the human knee. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were mounted at 30 degrees of flexion in a materials testing machine. Digital electronic pressure sensors were placed in the medial and lateral compartments of the knee. Each intact knee was first loaded to 700 N and held for 5 seconds. Dynamic pressure readings were recorded throughout the loading and holding phases. Loading was repeated over circular osteochondral defects (5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 mm) in the 30 degrees weightbearing area of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. RESULTS: Stress concentration around the rims of defects 8 mm and smaller was not demonstrated, and pressure distribution in this size range was dominated by the menisci. For defects 10 mm and greater, distribution of peak pressures followed the rim of the defect with a mean distance from the rim of 2.2 mm on the medial condyle and 3.2 mm on the lateral condyle. An analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction revealed a statistically significant trend of increasing radius of peak pressure as defect size increased for defects from 10 to 20 mm (P = .0011). Peak rim pressure values did not increase significantly as defects were enlarged from 10 to 20 mm. Load redistribution during the holding phase was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Rim stress concentration was demonstrated for osteochondral defects 10 mm and greater in size. This altered load distribution has important implications relating to the long-term integrity of cartilage adjacent to osteochondral defects in the human knee. Although the decision to treat osteochondral lesions is certainly multifactorial, a size threshold of 10 mm, based on biomechanical data, may be a useful adjunct to guide clinical decision making.