Autologous osteochondral transplantation using the diamond bone-cutting system (DBCS): 6–12 years’ follow-up of 35 patients with osteochondral defects at the knee joint

Thirty-five patients with severe osteochondral defects were treated by autologous osteochondral transplantation between 1986 and 1992. The majority of patients (27) suffered from osteochondrosis dissecans, while 8 patients presented with posttraumatic osteochondral defects. The grafts were harvested with a diamond bone cutter from the posterior part of the medial or lateral femoral condyle. In 29 patients the lesion was located at the lateral part of the medial femoral condyle, in 3 it was at the lateral femoral condyle, and in 3 at the patella. Twenty-nine patients could be examined at the follow-up between 6 and 12 years later (mean follow up 8.1 years). Using the standard cartilage evaluation form, the transplanted knees of 12 patients were graded as normal (grade I), 14 knees were nearly normal (grade II), while 3 patients presented with an abnormal result (grade III). All 3 of them had a varus malalignment and refused a high tibial correction osteotomy against our advice. No patient was assessed as severely abnormal (grade IV). The majority of patients improved their activity level and the functional status of the joint. Twelve patients developed new radiological signs of osteoarthrosis with a decrease in the radiological score of Kellgren and Lawrence by about one stage. We conclude that autologous osteochondral transplantation with the diamond bone-cutting system is an effective method in the treatment of severe osteochondral defects. Received: 17 April 2000     

Lateral femoral condyle osteochondral fracture caused by a patella luxation: advantages and disadvantages of PLA fixation

A lateral patella luxation is occasionally complicated by an (osteo)chondral fracture. These fractures are usually located at the inferomedial part of the patella. In this case report we describe an osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle after a dislocation of the patella. The latter is a more severe injury because it involves an important weight bearing part of the knee joint. Refixation of the osteochondral fracture should be pursued. Various surgical techniques using nonresorbable materials have been described. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of refixation with biodegradable pin fixation for an osteochondral fracture caused by a patellaluxation.     

The treatment of osteochondral lesions using a combination of autologous chondrocyte implantation and autograft: three-year follow-up

In this study a combination of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and the osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) was used and evaluated as a treatment option for the repair of large areas of degenerative articular cartilage. We present the results at three years post-operatively. Osteochondral cores were used to restore the contour of articular cartilage in 13 patients with large lesions of the lateral femoral condyle (n = 5), medial femoral condyle (n = 7) and patella (n = 1). Autologous cultured chondrocytes were injected underneath a periosteal patch covering the cores. After one year, the patients had a significant improvement in their symptoms and after three years this level of improvement was maintained in ten of the 13 patients. Arthroscopic examination revealed that the osteochondral cores became well integrated with the surrounding cartilage. We conclude that the hybrid ACI/OATS technique provides a promising surgical approach for the treatment of patients with large degenerative osteochondral defects.     

关节镜下可吸收钉治疗陈旧性股骨髁大面积骨软骨骨折

目的 ：研究关节镜下可吸收钉固定陈旧性股骨髁负重区大面积骨软骨骨折的临床效果。方法 ：自2007年3月至2011年12月采用关节镜下可吸收钉固定治疗股骨髁负重区大面积骨软骨骨折6例,其中男4例,女2例,年龄14~48岁,病程4~26周。患者膝关节疼痛肿胀,损伤部位为股骨髁负重区,损伤深度为ICRSⅣ级,损伤面积≥4 cm2。采用X线评价骨折愈合情况,采用Lysholm评分、IKDC评分和Tegner运动评级评价关节功能。结果 ：所有患者骨软骨骨折获愈合,二次探查发现软骨轻度退变。术后膝关节Lysholm评分、IKDC评分及Tegner运动评级均较术前提高。结论：关节镜下应用可吸收钉固定治疗陈旧性股骨髁负重区大面积骨软骨骨折有利于恢复关节软骨面的平整结构和骨软骨块的愈合。     

Long-term results of arthroscopic excision of unstable osteochondral lesions of the lateral femoral condyle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic removal of unstable osteochondral lesions with subchondral drilling in the lateral femoral condyle. We reviewed the outcome of 23 patients (28 knees) with stage III or IV osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the lateral femoral condyle at a mean follow-up of 14 years (10 to 19). The functional clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score, which improved from a mean of 38.1 (SD 3.5) pre-operatively to a mean of 87.3 (SD 5.4) at the most recent review (p = 0.034), and the Tegner activity score, which improved from a pre-operative median of 2 (0 to 3) to a median of 5 (3 to 7) at final follow-up (p = 0.021). The radiological degenerative changes were evaluated according to Tapper and Hoover's classification and when compared with the pre-operative findings, one knee had grade 1, 22 knees had grade 2 and five knees had grade 3 degenerative changes. The overall outcomes were assessed using Hughston's rating scale, where 19 knees were rated as good, four as fair and five as poor. We found radiological evidence of degenerative changes in the third or fourth decade of life at a mean of 14 years after arthroscopic excision of the loose body and subchondral drilling for an unstable osteochondral lesion of the lateral femoral condyle. Clinical and functional results were more satisfactory.     

Isolated osteochondral fracture of the patella without patellar dislocation

Chondral fractures of the patella are associated with acute dislocation of the patella. Osteochondral fracture in patellar dislocation is located in the medial facet of the patella. This article presents a case of a 15-year-old female ballerina with isolated displaced osteochondral fracture of the patella without patellar dislocation. She had no history of trauma. A Merchant's view of both knees showed mild subluxation of the patella, a small fragment on the lateral aspect of the knee, and a small defect of the centromedial patella. Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an osteochondral fragment measuring 13 mm medial to the patella. However, the medial patellofemoral ligament and medial retinaculum were intact. An effusion on the medial side of the patella consistent with hemarthrosis was observed. An absence of a contusion or bone bruise on the lateral femoral condyle was shown. The loose body was removed arthroscopically. Intraoperative findings included a 1.5×2 cm osteochondral fragment. It is unusual that the osteochondral patellar defect site in this patient was in the inferior and central areas of the patella. Patellar chondral fractures without dislocation or patella fracture are rare. Therefore, the possibility of a trivial trauma leading to an osteochondral fracture should be kept in mind in adolescent and young adults who present with knee pain and hemarthrosis.     

Osteochondral autologous transplantation in various joints

A chondral/osteochondral defect involving the articular surface of a joint is still a therapeutic problem. The goal of articular cartilage repair is restoration of cartilage congruity, accomplishing full painfree range of motion and elimination of cartilage detoriation. The use of autologous grafts was first reported by Wagner 1964. Now the use of cylindrical autograft plugs was described by Bobic 1996 and Hangody 1996. Operative management and early results of osteochondral cylindrical autograft plugs in the femoral condyle, patella, elbow and talar dome are presented. The arthroscopic/open use of autologous osteochondral grafts from the knee is indicated in osteochondral lesions in diameter from 1 to 3 cm, which can not be primarily refixed and in osteonecrosis at femoral condyle, patella, elbow, talar dome as well as shoulder.     

A morphologic,biochemical, and biomechanical assessment of short-term effects of osteochondral autograft plug transfer in an animal model

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the short-term changes that occur after an osteochondral autograft plug transfer from the femoral trochlea to the medial femoral condyle in a goat model. Type of Study: Articular cartilage repair animal study. Methods: Six adult male goats were used in this study. Two 4.5-mm osteochondral plugs were transferred from the superolateral femoral trochlea to 2 recipient sites in the central portion of the medial femoral condyle for a survival period of 12 weeks. Postmortem, the global effects of the procedure were assessed by gross morphologic inspection and by analyzing the synovial DNA for inflammatory response. The recipient sites were also evaluated histologically and biomechanically. Metabolic activity was determined by ³⁵SO₄ uptake, and viability was assessed using a live/dead stain and by confocal laser microscopy. Results: There was no evidence of significant gross morphologic or histologic changes in the operative knee as a result of the osteochondral donor or recipient sites. The patella, tibial plateau, and medial meniscus did not show any increased degenerative changes as a result of articulating against the donor or recipient sites of the osteochondral autografts. Analysis of synovial DNA revealed no inflammatory response. Biomechanically, 6- to 7-fold greater stiffness was noted in the cartilage of the transferred plugs compared with the control medial femoral condyle. Furthermore, on histologic examination, the healing subchondral bone interface at the recipient site had increased density. Glycosaminoglycan synthesis as determined by ³⁵SO₄ uptake was upregulated in the transplanted cartilage plug relative to the contralateral control, showing a repair response at the site of implantation. And finally, confocal microscopy showed 95% viability of the transferred plugs in the medial femoral condyle region. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the ability to successfully transfer an osteochondral autograft plug with maintenance of chondrocyte cellular viability. The transferred cartilage is stiffer than the control medial femoral condyle cartilage, and there is concern regarding the increased trabecular mass in the healing subchondral plate, but these do not result in increased degenerative changes of the opposing articular surfaces in the short term.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 8 (October), 2001: pp 856–863     

Weight-bearing osteochondral lesions of the lateral femoral condyle following patellar dislocation in adolescent athletes

In patients with patellar dislocation, osteochondral injury is often an indication for early surgical intervention. However, no studies have identified a relationship between injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following a patellar dislocation and the eventual need for surgical treatment. The authors hypothesized that a significant number of patients sustain injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following an acute patellar dislocation.Radiographs and magnetic resonance images were retrospectively reviewed and the patterns of injury were evaluated for 80 patients with a diagnosis of acute patellar dislocation, including the presence of osteochondral damage, the location of the medial patellofemoral ligament injury, and concomitant meniscal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 27.5% incidence of osteochondral injury involving the articular, weight-bearing region of the lateral femoral condyle following an acute lateral patellar dislocation. Surgical intervention was performed in more than 60% of these injuries, and most were not identified with plain radiographs. Injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following patellar dislocation was 3.6 times more common in boys in the current study population.Osteochondral injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle may occur in a high percentage of patients following a lateral patellar dislocation and in a higher percentage of boys than girls. Patients with tenderness over the lateral femoral condyle following an acute lateral patellar dislocation should undergo magnetic resonance imaging.     

急性髌骨脱位的关节镜下诊断与治疗

目的 探讨急性髌骨脱位的关节镜下表现,评价关节镜下治疗方法对其的疗效.方法 2001年2月至2003年12月,共收治急性髌骨脱位16例17膝,女12例,男4例,1例女性患者为双侧发病.年龄14～31岁,平均21.9岁.从发生髌骨脱位到手术的时间间隔为3～25 d,平均13.6 d.术前对所有患者进行放射学检查,观察髌骨的形态和位置、股骨滑车角、髌骨外侧半脱位和下肢对线的状况.临床测量Q角和全身关节松弛度.全部手术均在关节镜监视下施行.首先引流关节内血肿,而后进行全面的关节内探查,取出游离的软骨和骨软骨碎片,施行软骨成形术,修整损伤的软骨面,最后松解外侧支持带以及紧缩缝合内侧支持带.结果 关节镜下表现包括关节内血肿,股骨外侧髁和髌骨内侧骨软骨损伤,游离体形成以及内侧支持结构撕裂.所有病例均获得随访,随访时间1.5～3.5年,平均2.1年,均未发生感染等严重并发症,也无关节内大量血肿和髌骨缺血性坏死发生.全部病例膝关节活动度恢复正常,恢复至术前的活动水平,未发生再脱位.5例患者术后早期主诉髌骨内侧存在牵拉感和弹响.所有病例均未出现重度髌股关节退行性改变.结论 关节镜手术是诊断和治疗急性髌骨脱位的优良方法,操作简便,疗效可靠.     

The transfer of the posterior femoral condyle – first results of a salvage operation

In this study large osteochondral defects on the weight-bearing surface of the medial and lateral femoral condyle were treated by transplantation of the autologous posterior condyle in 20 patients. The cartilage defects, type Outerbridge IV, ranged in size from 2 x 1.5 cm to 5 x 3.5 cm. 8 condyle transfers were done from 1984-1996 at the orthopaedic clinic of the university of Balgrist, Zürich. 12 condyle transfers at the department of orthopedic sports medicine at the technical university of Munich from 1996-1998. Patients were operated before the condyle transfer, 2 times on average. In 9 patients a high tibial osteotomy was performed simultaneously. Clinical evaluation was done according to the Lysholm score. The Lysholm score improved in the patient serie from 1996 from preoperatively 62 (54-81) points to postoperatively 85 (74-95) points. The follow-up was on average 9.8 (2-26) months. 18 patients reported about pain relief, 2 patients didn't improve. We describe the operative technique. Despite the lack of long-term results the transfer of the autologous posterior condyle seems to be an effective alternative for the knee prosthesis, especially for young patients with a great cartilage damage in the weight bearing area.     

The transplantation of an autogeneic osteochondral fragment for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Osteochondritis dissecans in two adults with a large osteochondral defect on the weight-bearing surface was treated by transplantation of an autogeneic osteochondral fragment. The graft was transplanted from the normal portion of the medial femoral condyle, which in extension was in contact with neither patella nor meniscus. The donor site was repaired with an iliac bone fragment. After curettage of the crater, the osteochondral fragment was transfixed with AO mini-cancellous screw(s). Six months after the operation, the grafted cartilage of one patient looked the same as normal cartilage when macroscopically observed and showed no sign of histologic degeneration. At the follow-up examination, the patients were asymptomatic. One patient had a full range of motion two years and three months later; the other three years later. Roentgenographic examinations revealed slight irregularities at the grafted site. There was no significant change in the patellofemoral joint except the concavity of the donor site.     

Osteochondral fracture of the knee treated with bioabsorbable implants in two adolescents

We present two patients, respectively 14 and 18 years old, who sustained an osteochondral fracture of the weight-bearing part of the lateral femoral condyle, which was treated operatively with biodegradable self-reinforced polylactide rods. The first patient was operated 60 days after the injury, the second one on the third day. The clinical and functional results were good in both cases one year postoperatively. MRI showed a good bony union of the osteochondral fragments.     

Repair of focal chondral lesions of femoral condyles treated with osteochondral autografts]

A series of 15 patients with focal chondral lesions of the femoral condyles were treated at the Orthopaedics Department of the University of Medical Sciences of Lublin between 1998-2000. The patients' age varied from 20 to 72 years and the follow-up period from 6 months to 2.5 years. Osteochondritis dissecans was observed in 9 patients. Articular cartilage defects associated with chronic ligament instability was noted in 5 cases and 1 patient suffered from a chondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle during a traumatic luxation of the patella. The depth of the lesions was graded according to ICRS scale. Grade IV was found in 11 cases and the remaining 4 cases had grade III lesions. The defects were treated with osteochondral autografts using OATS instrumentation set. Results were prospectively evaluated according to the HSS score. The preoperative value of HSS score ranged from 28 to 51 points (average 40.3). During follow-up the score values ranged from 76 to 91 points (average 84.7 points). All patients regained full range of motion in the knee, although in one case arthroscopic release of intraarticular adhesions was performed 6 months after chondroplasty. The lowest HSS values at follow-up were found in elderly patients with concomitant mild degenerative changes in the lateral knee compartment and in the patello-femoral joint. All patients had MRI examination early post-op, then after 6, 12 and 24 months from the procedure. MRI confirmed proper structure of the grafted cartilage but bony parts of the graft did not integrate with the surroundings.     

Osteochondral fracture associated with dislocation of the patella: another mechanism of injury.

An apparently not previously reported type of osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle associated with dislocation of the patella is presented. The mechanism of the fracture is described as forced inward rotation of the femur against the tibia. Internal fixation is the surgical treatment of choice in this type of fracture.     

Patellar tracking and patellofemoral geometry in deep knee flexion.

Patellar tracking and femoral condylar geometry in deep knee flexion were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The patellar tilting angle, patellar shift, and patellar anteroposterior translation from 0 degrees to 135 degrees flexion were measured. The depth of the femoral condylar articular surface and the curvature of the femoral condylar articular surface also were measured at 135 degrees flexion. The patella shifted laterally, tilted medially, and sank deeply into the intercondylar notch during deep knee flexion. The articular surface of the lateral condyle, existing deep within the intercondylar notch, began to curve steeply at a point farther from the center of the intercondylar notch than did the medial condyle. The geometry of the femoral condyle is adequate to fit the patellar geometry. Results of the current study suggest that the geometry of the lateral femoral condyle allows the patella to track smoothly with a larger patellofemoral contact area and less patellofemoral pressure during deep flexion.     

Chondral and osteochondral injuries associated with acute patellar dislocation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and precise pathology of articular cartilage injuries after acute patellar dislocation. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: In 39 consecutive knees with initial lateral patellar dislocation, the articular cartilage injuries were examined using arthroscopy or macroscopic observation. Results: Thirty-seven knees (95%) had articular cartilage injuries of the patellofemoral joint and 2 knees (5%) had no cartilage injury. In all 37 knees (95%), articular cartilage injuries were observed in the patella. The appearances were categorized into 3 groups: cracks alone (9 knees), cartilage defect caused by osteochondral or chondral fracture (7 knees), and cartilage defects caused by osteochondral or chondral fracture associated with cracks (21 knees). The main site of osteochondral fracture was the medial facet, and the main site of cracks was the central dome. Twelve knees (31%) had cartilage injury of the lateral femoral condyle. Conclusions: From this study, articular cartilage injuries, especially of the patella, seem to be common occurrences after acute patellar dislocation. Chondral and osteochondral injuries of the patella were classified into 3 groups.     

髌骨纵行骨折的机理及误诊原因探讨

报告髌骨纵行骨折20例，其中误诊12例，部分病例发生机理不能用三点挤压原理解释。作者对误诊原因和发生机理进行分析，认为对髌骨纵行骨折的认识不足，缺乏必要的体格检查，不摄髌骨轴位片是误诊的主要原因。当屈膝＜90°时，髌前方向外的暴力作用在髌骨上，先使内侧特别面与股骨内髁接触，外侧面悬起，暴力的继续作用和股外侧肌的强力收缩使髌骨外1／3纵行骨折。     

Rekonstruktion des lateralen Tibiakopfes durch Patellatransplantation

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of the lateral tibial condyle, a functionally intact knee joint, and correct physiological axis. INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic cartilage and bone defect of the lateral tibial condyle too severe for reconstruction in a young patient. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Age > 50 years. Patellofemoral joint degeneration. Defect of the patella or lateral femoral condyle. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Transplantation of the own, ipsilateral patella into the bone defect of the lateral tibial condyle. RESULTS: The result in one patient was found to be excellent 5 years after the accident and was good in one other patient 13 years following trauma. The third patient showed a good result 1.5 years after the accident.     

Factors associated with acute articular cartilage lesions of the patella and lateral femoral condyle in acute first-time lateral patellar dislocation: A prospective magnetic resonance imaging study

ObjectivesTo identify risk factors of acute articular cartilage lesions of the patella and lateral femoral condyle in acute first-time lateral patellar dislocation (LPD).MethodsMagnetic resonance images were prospectively analyzed in 115 patients in an acute first-time LPD. Factors included gender, skeletal maturity, trochlear dysplasia, patellar height, and tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the independent risk factors for the incidence of acute articular cartilage lesions of the patella and lateral femoral condyle in acute first-time LPD.ResultsThe incidence of acute articular cartilage lesion of the patella and lateral femoral condyle were 46.1% and 27% in acute first-time LPD, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher incidence rate of acute articular cartilage lesion of the patella in male (P = 0.027), skeletally mature (P = 0.035), normal TT-TG distance (P = 0.043) and normal femoral trochlea (P = 0.031). Risk factors for the incidence of acute articular cartilage lesion of the patella were skeletally mature (odds ratio (OR): 2.324), normal TT-TG distance (OR: 2.824) and normal femoral trochlea (OR: 3.835). Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher incidence rate of acute articular cartilage lesion of the lateral femoral condyle in skeletally mature (P = 0.027) and normal femoral trochlea (P = 0.031). Risk factor for the incidence of acute articular cartilage lesion of the lateral femoral condyle was normal femoral trochlea (OR: 3.347).ConclusionsFor patients in acute first-time LPD, compared with other parameters, the normal femoral trochlea, normal TT-TG distance and skeletally mature are independent risk factors for the incidence of acute articular cartilage lesion of the patella, and the normal femoral trochlea is an independent risk factor for the incidence of acute articular cartilage lesion of the lateral femoral condyle.