Retrograde drilling for osteochondral lesions of the talar dome

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talar dome without detachment of the cartilage, there is little information on whether transmalleolar drilling or retrograde drilling is more effective in terms of clinical and morphologic evaluations. HYPOTHESIS: Retrograde drilling may be more effective than transmalleolar drilling for lesions without cartilage detachment. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Subjects were 30 patients with lesions on 1 foot of grade 0 or I, determined according to a modified Pritsch classification system. Nineteen patients underwent transmalleolar drilling (TMD group), and 11 patients underwent retrograde drilling (RD group). Ankle arthroscopy was performed 1 year postoperatively to evaluate cartilage conditions. RESULTS: Arthroscopic findings revealed that in the TMD group, 11 lesions (57.9%) were unchanged (grade I), and 8 lesions (42.1%) had deteriorated from grade 0 to I; in the RD group, 3 lesions (27.2%) had improved from grade I to 0, and 8 (72.8%) were unchanged (2 grade 0 lesions and 6 grade I lesions). There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in the distribution of cases that had improved, were unchanged, or had deteriorated (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that compared with transmalleolar drilling, retrograde drilling for osteochondral lesions of the talar dome can improve the arthroscopic assessment of the lesions.     

Comparison of clinical outcomes between arthroscopic subchondral drilling and microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of the two common bone marrow stimulation techniques such as subchondral drilling and microfracture for symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus and to evaluate prognostic factors affecting the outcomes.

Methods

Ninety patients (90 ankles) who underwent arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for small- to mid-sized osteochondral lesions of the talus constituted the study cohort. The 90 ankles were divided into two groups: a drilling group (40 ankles) and a microfracture group (50 ankles). Each group was matched for age and gender, and both groups had characteristics similar to those obtained from pre-operative demographic data. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the ankle activity score (AAS) were used to compare clinical outcomes, during a mean follow-up period of 43 months.

Results

The median AOFAS scores were 66.0 points (51–80) in drilling group and 66.5 points (45–81) in microfracture group pre-operatively, and these improved to 89.4 points (77–100) and 90.1 points (69–100) at the final follow-up, respectively. The median VAS scores improved at the final follow-up compared with the pre-operative condition. The median AAS for the drilling group improved from 4.5 (1–6) pre-operatively to 6.0 (1–8) at the final follow-up, while those for the microfracture group improved from 3.0 (2–8) to 6.0 (3–9). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the AOFAS scores, VAS, and AAS.

Conclusions

The arthroscopic subchondral drilling and microfracture techniques that were used to stimulate bone marrow showed similar clinical outcomes. The results of this study suggest that both techniques are effective and reliable in treating small- to mid-sized osteochondral lesions of the talus, regardless of which of the two techniques is used.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

     

Arthroscopically assisted retrograde drilling for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee

Purpose

Accurate retrograde drilling for osteochondritis dissecans lesions remains technically challenging. A novel, radiation-free method using an electromagnetic guidance system was developed, and its feasibility and accuracy for retrograde drilling procedures evaluated in an experimental setting.

Methods

Sixteen arthroscopically assisted, electromagnetically guided retrograde drilling procedures were performed in 4 human cadaveric knee joints. Therefore, two artificial cartilage lesions were set consecutively on each condyle. Final drill bit position was documented in two planes using fluoroscopy. Subsequently, drilling accuracy was measured in terms of distance from the final position of the drill bit to the articular cartilage surface (D1), and distance between the tip of the drill bit to the centre of the cartilage lesion on the articular cartilage surface (D2). All procedures were timed using a stopwatch.

Results

Successful retrograde drilling was accomplished in all 16 cases. The overall mean time for the retrograde drilling procedures was 361.6?±?34.7?s. Mean D1 was 2.2?±?0.5?mm; mean D2 was 0.8?±?0.7?mm. No complications occurred.

Conclusions

The novel electromagnetic guidance system used in this study showed accurate targeting results, required no radiation, was associated with no complications and demonstrated user-friendliness.

Level of evidence

II.     

Arthroscopic drilling with debridement of remaining cartilage for osteochondral lesions of the talar dome in unstable ankles

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic examination has shown that the regenerative cartilage that appears after arthroscopic drilling for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talar dome does not always cover the cartilage defect sufficiently. HYPOTHESIS: The remaining degenerative cartilage at the lesions may obstruct the healing of the articular cartilage. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent arthroscopic drilling that kept the remaining cartilage at the lesion (group A), and 30 patients underwent arthroscopic drilling that removed the remaining cartilage at the lesion (group B). At 1 year after the operation, we performed ankle arthroscopy to evaluate the cartilage condition. RESULTS: The arthroscopic findings revealed that in group A, 11 cases (28.2%) were improved, 12 cases (30.8%) were unchanged, and 16 cases (41.0%) had deteriorated; in group B, 27 cases (93.1%) were improved and 2 cases were unchanged. There were significant differences between group A and group B in the rate of cases whose cartilage condition was seen to improve under arthroscopic examination (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talar dome, the removing of the remaining degenerative cartilage may be of some benefit in the treatment of these lesions.     

MR imaging of osteochondral lesions of talus

Ten patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus had magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to determine if this modality could accurately characterize the bone lesion and overlying articular cartilage. Eight patients had arthroscopy, five of whom also had arthrotomy. Magnetic resonance detected abnormal cartilage in all eight patients and disruption of cartilage in four of five, proven at surgery. One patient had disrupted cartilage at surgery not diagnosed by MR. Four patients had excision of the osteochondral fragment and curettage of the talar defect and in these patients MR accurately characterized the bony lesion. Three patients had conservative surgical procedures (drilling) and the extent of the bony lesion could not be determined at surgery. Magnetic resonance can accurately characterize the osteocartilaginous components of talus lesions and even though it should not replace plain radiography for diagnosis, it is ideally suited for evaluation of the articular cartilage and has proven to be useful in planning surgical procedures.     

Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus

A retrospective study of the arthroscopic treatment of transchondral fractures of the talar dome in 18 patients was conducted. Followup ranged from 3 months to 3 years; 10 patients had an average followup of 2 years (Group A) and 8 of 6.5 months (Group B). The 10 male and 8 female patients ranged in age from 14 to 40 years. Thirteen lesions were posteromedial while five were anterolateral. Fourteen of the 18 patients reported an inversion type injury to the ankle from playing various sports on weekends. One patient had a bimalleolar fracture of the ankle sustained in a car accident 18 months prior to referral, while the last patient in the series had a bilateral fracture of the os calcis from a work-related falling incident. All patients underwent conservative care for at least 4 months prior to referral. Arthroscopic treatment consisted of partial synovectomy, debridement of osteochondral lesions with removal of loose fragments, curettage, abrasion, and, in one case, drilling. For analysis of postoperative management, patients were divided into two groups, 10 with the 2 year followup comprising Group A and the 8 with the 6.5 month followup in Group B. Group A was nonweightbearing for 6 weeks while Group B was ambulatory 2 weeks postoperatively. Group A was fully ambulatory when the 6 week nonweightbearing period expired. All patients had a full range of motion at the time of suture removal (1 week to 10 days). Both groups were evaluated objectively and subjectively. Excellent or good results were obtained in 88% of the patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

MSCT三维数字化导航气管隆突下间隙病变穿刺活检的研究

目的 探讨MSCT三维数字化导航技术在气管隆突下间隙病变穿刺活检中的临床应用价值.方法 将收治的82例需穿刺活检的气管隆突下间隙病变患者,随机分为对照组和研究组进行前瞻性研究,研究组41例患者采用MSCT三维数字化导航穿刺技术活检;对照组41例患者采用CT横断面引导下常规穿刺针活检;观察2组的一次性穿刺成功率,并发症发生率,手术时间,诊断正确率.结果 研究组一次性穿刺成功率87.80%(36/41),对照组一次性穿刺成功率60.97%(24/41)(χ2=8.945,P=0.005<0.05),差异有显著性意义.研究组并发症发生率14.63%(6/41),对照组并发症发生率41.45%(17/41)(χ2=7.31,P=0.007<0.05),差异有显著性意义.研究组穿刺时间(11.64±2.76) min,对照组穿刺时间(22.22±6.31) min(t=-11.70,P=-10.59<0.05),差异有显著性意义.研究组穿刺确诊率97.56%(40/41),对照组穿刺确诊率80.49%(33/41),2组比较差异有显著性意义(χ2=6.116,P=0.029 <0.05).结论 MSCT三维数字化导航技术显著提高了气管隆突下间隙病变穿刺活检的一次性穿刺成功率与穿刺精确度,降低了并发症发生率,具有较高的准确性与安全性.     

Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic microfracture for isolated osteochondral lesions of the talus without combined lesions, in patients of less than 50 years old with lesions of <1.5 cm². Thirty-five patients (35 ankles) with isolated osteochondral lesions of the talus were treated by arthroscopic microfracture. There were 27 men and 8 women of average age 35 years (range 17–50) and mean body mass index (BMI) 25 kg/m² (range 20–34) at the time of surgery. Clinical outcome evaluations were performed at a mean follow-up of 33 months. Overall results, as determined using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scores, were excellent in 16 (46%), good in 15 (43%), and fair in 4 (11%). Mean AOFAS scores improved from 63 points (range 52–77) preoperatively to 90 points (range 73–100) at final follow-up, median Ankle Activity Score (AAS) from 3 points (range 1–5) to 6 points (range 3–8), mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores from 7 points (range 5–8) to 2 points (range 0–5), and mean Short Form-36 scores showed improvements in physical function, role limitation, bodily pain, social function, and general health (P < 0.05). In terms of prognostic factors, a longer symptom duration was found to negatively affect outcome, as determined by AOFAS scores, AAS, and VAS scores. Arthroscopic microfracture for isolated osteochondral lesions of the talus is a safe and effective procedure, which provides good clinical outcomes in the majority of patients.     

Evaluation and management of osteochondral lesions of the knee

Osteochondral lesions of the knee is a common disorder in adolescents, although it may present in children and adults. Despite the fact that the disorder was discovered more than a century ago, no specific causes have been identified, although relationships with ischemia, irregular ossification of epiphyseal cartilage, genetic influences, trauma, and endocrine disorders have been postulated. Taking a thorough history and performing a thorough physical examination will facilitate diagnosis of this condition. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging are useful diagnostic tools that aid in the evaluation. A comprehensive knowledge of the relevant anatomy and clinical progression of osteochondral lesions allows for a better understanding of the classification systems and, ultimately management of this disorder. The size, location, and stability of the lesion, as well as the patient's age, are crucial in determining optimal treatment. The spectrum of injury ranges from small, stable lesions, which can be treated nonoperatively, to unstable or displaced lesions, which may require surgical management. Surgical options include drilling of subchondral bone, curettage and microfracture, refixation of detached lesions, autologous osteochondral autograft procedures (eg, mosaicplasty, osteochondral autograft transfer system), autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral allograft resurfacing. This article provides a basic approach to the evaluation and management of osteochondral lesions, as well as indications for surgery.     

Tibial wedge osteotomy for osteochondral transplantation in talar lesions

Between 1999 and 2002, 16 patients with osteochondral lesions on the central and posterior talar dome underwent osteochondral autografting. A new approach with temporary removal and replacement of a tibial bone block from the anterior tibial plafond was adopted. Inclusion criteria were joint stability, an age between 18 and 50 years, and osteochondral lesions stages 3 and 4 according to the radiological classification of Loomer, for which previous arthroscopic treatment was not successful. All patients underwent clinical and MRI evaluation after 12, 35 and 59 months. The AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot score improved significantly between the preoperative period and 1 year (p < 0.001), between 1 and 3 years (p < 0.001), but not between 3 and 5 years postoperative (p = 0.37). The score was independent from patients gender (p = 0.44) and age. The Spearman coefficient of correlation between clinical outcome and defect size was - 0.79 (p = 0.01), indicating that patients with small lesions had the best results. Control radiographs and MRIs showed no reduced joint space and good integration of the tibial bone block without incongruency. Osteochondral grafting with temporary removal of a tibial bone block is a successful technique with good midterm results in osteochondral talar lesions for which arthroscopic excision, curettage and drilling has failed.     

距骨骨软骨损伤的MRI研究进展

距骨骨软骨损伤（OLT）常见于曾有踝关节创伤史的病人,对本病的准确评价有助于治疗方法的选择。MRI可检出OLT并对其进行分级,是目前评价OLT的最佳无创检查手段。就OLT的MRI研究进展进行综述。     

距骨骨软骨损伤的MRI研究进展

距骨骨软骨损伤(OLT)常见于曾有踝关节创伤史的病人,对本病的准确评价有助于治疗方法的选择。MRI可检出OLT并对其进行分级,是目前评价OLT的最佳无创检查手段。就OLT的MRI研究进展进行综述。     

MRI-guided percutaneous retrograde drilling of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Objective  

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new method for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) treatment.     

High-resolution MR imaging of talar osteochondral lesions with new classification

Purpose  

Retrospective review of high-resolution MR imaging features of talar dome osteochondral lesions and development of new classification system based on these features.     

微骨折术与自体骨软骨移植治疗距骨骨软骨损伤的早期临床结果

目的对比分析关节镜结合微骨折术与自体骨软骨移植术治疗距骨骨软骨损伤的疗效。方法回顾分析2013年1月-2015年4月宜宾市第一人民医院收治的80例距骨骨软骨损伤患者的治疗情况,根据治疗方法不同分为A组(采取踝关节镜下微骨折术治疗)和B组(采取踝关节镜下自体软骨移植术治疗),每组40例。比较两组患者的踝关节功能、疼痛评分变化,对比分析治疗效果。结果两组患者术后2、6个月疼痛和踝关节功能评分与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);两组的疼痛评分比较,差异无统计学意义P0.05);B组的治疗有效率(97.5%)与A组(80.0%)比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者均未出现相关并发症。结论关节镜结合微骨折术和自体骨软骨移植术治疗距骨软骨损伤均具有较好的临床疗效,均能改善患者的踝关节功能,缓解患者的疼痛症状,并且均有较高的安全性。自体骨软骨移植相较于微骨折术的治疗有效率更佳,值得临床推广。