Functional outcomes after patellar autologous osteochondral transplantation.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess clinical evaluation of patients who underwent autologous osteochondral transplantation of the patella. This prospective study assessed outcomes of 20 patients who underwent patellar autologous osteochondral transplantation at four time-points: preoperatively, 3days, 6months, and 2years after surgery. The following outcomes were assessed at each time-point: pain (VAS), gait, swelling, trophic status, muscle strength, patellar mobility, and range of motion. The Tegner scale was also applied for each time-point. All parameters improved, except for patellar mobility, which did not show any change. Pain score decreased from 7.1 (SD 2.3) to 2.4 (SD 2.6) at the 2-year assessment; limping decreased from 70% before surgery to 15% 2years later; swelling scores decreased from an average of 1.8 (SD 0.8) 3days after surgery to 0.5 (SD 0.7) at the 2-year assessment; muscle strength increased from 3.9 (SD 0.8) to 4.7 (SD 0.7) points at final follow-up; and the range of motion increased from 84 (SD 16.2) to 132 (SD 10.7) degrees 2years later. Tegner score before surgery ranged from 0 to 5, and after 2years, it ranged from 5 to 9. Autologous osteochondral transplantation for the treatment of patellar chondral lesion was associated with significant improvement in pain, gait, swelling, and range of motion 2years after surgery, achieving scores similar to uninjured knees. Most of them were able to return to sports activity after 6months (recreational level) and 2years (competitive level). IV.