Editorial Commentary: Spontaneous Insufficiency Fracture of the Knee, Formerly Known as Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee, May Benefit From Combined Mosaicplasty and High Tibial Osteotomy: Better Together

Abstract

Spontaneous insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) previously termed spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is a painful knee condition that can occur spontaneously from unknown causes. Histology confirms that a subchondral insufficiency fracture is the true finding and osteonecrosis is a secondary and end-stage finding of the SIFK spectrum of disease. SIFK demonstrates a subchondral fracture and bone marrow edema (BME) on MRI and if left untreated, it can lead to collapse. SONK is most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older patients and is more common in females. It is usually found in the medial femoral condyle. Approximately one-third of patients progressed to total knee arthroplasty. Factors that contributed to disease progression included baseline arthritis, older age, location of the insufficiency fracture, meniscal extrusion, and varus malalignment. Positive outcomes have been reported when SIFK is treated with a combination of mosaicplasty (MOS) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO). And just as like MOS and HTO work better together, we need to collaborate to find solutions. We too are better together.