Biologic Augmented Microdrilling Surgery for Multiple and Large Full-Thickness Cartilage Lesions in the Knee: Early Clinical and Radiological Results

Abstract

Background: Various biologic treatments are available for articular cartilage lesions in the knee, but no one exists that is applicable to the full range of chondral disease and that is compliant with United States Food and Drug Administration regulations. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes following microdrilling surgery augmented with postoperative injections of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Methods: Eighteen patients with at least one symptomatic, full-thickness chondral lesion underwent arthroscopic microdrilling surgery. Immediately following surgery, patients received an intra-articular injection of fresh BMAC, PRP, and HA. This injection was repeated once per week for 5 consecutive weeks. At 4 and 12 months postoperatively, patients received 3 additional weekly injections for a total of 12 injections. Outcome Measures: IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) scores, KS (Knee Society) scores and plain radiographs. Results: The mean treated area was 6.2 ± 4.5 (range, 0.6 - 14.7) cm2. The mean preoperative IKDC and KS scores (±SE) were 43.0 ± 3.2 and 68.3 ± 3.6 respectively. At 24 months postoperatively, IKDC and KS scores improved to 85.3 ± 4.2 and 94.7 ± 4.4, respectively; both changes from baseline were significant (p p = 0.05). This change was greater in patients with preoperative JS p for the difference between groups = 0.1). Conclusions: Microdrilling of cartilage lesions augmented with BMAC, PRP, and HA may be a viable treatment for a range of chondral disease with good early clinical and radiological results.