Degenerative Cartilage Lesions Research Articles

Facteurs de risque de persistance d’un kyste poplité résiduel après décompression arthroscopique et kystectomie : association avec des lésions cartilagineuses dégénératives

BackgroundIn previous studies, good results have been reported after arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cysts and concomitant intra-articular pathology. However, only a few studies have reported the associated factors with residual popliteal cysts. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes and investigate the factors associated with the recurrence of popliteal cyst after arthroscopic cyst decompression and cyst wall resection. HypothesisThe authors hypothesized that residual popliteal cyst after arthroscopic decompression and cystectomy would be associated with degenerative cartilage lesions. Patients and methodsFrom December 2010 to December 2018, 54 patients with popliteal cysts were treated with arthroscopic decompression and cyst wall resection through an additional posteromedial cystic portal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography was used to observe whether the popliteal cyst had disappeared or decreased. The maximum diameter of the popliteal cyst was measured after surgery. The patients were classified into the disappeared and reduced groups according to the treatment outcome. Age, sex, symptom duration, preoperative degenerative changes based on the Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) grade, cartilage lesions according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades, synovitis, functional outcomes, and associated intra-articular lesions were compared between the two groups. The functional outcome was evaluated on the basis of the Rauschning and Lindgren knee score. The study included 22 men and 32 women, with mean age of 49.6years (range: 5–82years). According to the ICRS grade system, 28 (51.8%) patients had grade 0 to II, 26 (48.2%) patients had grade III to IV. ResultsFollow-up radiographic evaluation revealed that the cyst had completely disappeared in 20 patients (37%) and reduced in size in 34 (63%). The mean cyst size was decreased significantly from 5.7cm (range: 1.7–15cm) to 1.7cm (range: 0–6.4cm), and the Rauschning and Lindgren knee score showed improved clinical features in all the patients. Between the disappeared and reduced groups, the presence of degenerative cartilage lesions (p=0.022, odds ratio 8.702, 95% confidence interval: 1.368–55.362) showed a statistically significant differences. DiscussionThrough the posteromedial cystic portal, cysts were completely removed in approximately 40% of patients, and the size was reduced in 60% of patients. Presence of degenerative cartilage lesion represents an associated risk factor for residual popliteal cyst. These findings could be helpful in ensuring explaining poor prognostic factors. Level of evidenceIIIb; retrospective cohort study.

Risk factors for residual popliteal cyst after arthroscopic decompression and cystectomy: Associated with degenerative cartilage lesions

BackgroundIn previous studies, good results have been reported after arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cysts and concomitant intra-articular pathology. However, only a few studies have reported the associated factors with residual popliteal cysts. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes and investigate the factors associated with the recurrence of popliteal cyst after arthroscopic cyst decompression and cyst wall resection. HypothesisThe authors hypothesized that residual popliteal cyst after arthroscopic decompression and cystectomy would be associated with degenerative cartilage lesions. Patients and methodsFrom December 2010 to December 2018, 54 patients with popliteal cysts were treated with arthroscopic decompression and cyst wall resection through an additional posteromedial cystic portal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography was used to observe whether the popliteal cyst had disappeared or decreased. The maximum diameter of the popliteal cyst was measured after surgery. The patients were classified into the disappeared and reduced groups according to the treatment outcome. Age, sex, symptom duration, preoperative degenerative changes based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, cartilage lesions according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades, synovitis, functional outcomes, and associated intra-articular lesions were compared between the two groups. The functional outcome was evaluated on the basis of the Rauschning and Lindgren knee score. The study included 22 men and 32 women, with mean age of 49.6 years (range, 5–82 years). According to the ICRS grade system, 28 (51.8%) patients had grade 0 to II, 26 (48.2%) patients had grade III to IV. ResultsFollow-up radiographic evaluation revealed that the cyst had completely disappeared in 20 patients (37%) and reduced in size in 34 (63%). The mean cyst size was decreased significantly from 5.7cm (range, 1.7–15cm) to 1.7cm (range, 0–6.4cm), and the Rauschning and Lindgren knee score showed improved clinical features in all the patients. Between the disappeared and reduced groups, the presence of degenerative cartilage lesions (p=0.022, odds ratio 8.702, 95% confidence interval: 1.368–55.362) showed statistically significant differences. DiscussionThrough the posteromedial cystic portal, cysts were completely removed in approximately 40% of patients, and the size was reduced in 60% of patients. Presence of degenerative cartilage lesion represents an associated risk factor for residual popliteal cyst. These findings could be helpful in ensuring explaining poor prognostic factors. Level of evidenceIIIb; retrospective cohort study.

MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) in patients 40 years and older: short-term clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction

IntroductionCartilage restoration in the middle-aged population (40-60 years) is understudied. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes and satisfaction of patients over the age of 40 years old who underwent autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane (MACI) for the treatment of degenerative articular cartilage lesions in the knee. MethodsThe study included 30 patients who were over 40 years of age (mean 48.6 ± 5.5 years, range 41-60 years). Patients included were treated by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2020. Clinical outcome data was available for 29 patients at a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 39.6 ± 9.6 months). All patients with intact MACI grafts completed a satisfaction questionnaire. The mean lesion surface area transplanted was 11.5 ± 6.6 cm2. The mean number of defects transplanted was 2.5 ± 1.0. Treatment failure was defined as delamination of the MACI graft with associated clinical symptoms and/or progression of osteoarthritis. ResultsOf the 29 patients, 6 (21%) had a graft failure. Three patients went on to osteochondral allograft transplantation, 1 patient experienced symptomatic improvement with debridement, and 2 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-seven of the 29 patients (93%) maintained their native knee. Of those with intact MACI grafts, 17 out of 23 (74%) rated their knee as “good” or “excellent” and 16 out of 23 (70%) were satisfied with their surgery. ConclusionsMACI is effective in the short-term in patients over the age of 40 years old with degenerative articular cartilage lesions to maintain their native knee. A moderate degree of satisfaction was achieved in most patients.

Analysing the Role of Platelet Rich Plasma As Biological Stimulator for Cartilage Regeneration: An Experimental Study

Background: In articular cartilage defects and degenerative cartilage lesions, platelet-rich plasma(PRP) is increasingly used. PRP is an autologous concentration of platelets containing a high number of factors which are responsible for growth. In the healing, recovery and acceleration of biochemical processes, these growth factors play a role in reducing the pain associated with joint injuries. The latest world research shows excellent results in reducing pain by using PRP and it has tremendous scope in reducing the knee pain as well as in regeneration of the articular cartilage. This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of Autologous PRP as biologic stimulator for Cartilage Regeneration in Rabbit Model.
 Method: This will be a prospective experimental study carried out on 10 rabbits at Animal House in JNMC, Wardha. Osteoarthritis will be induced in the rabbits by destruction of articular cartilage. Then platelet rich plasma therapy. Will be given to induce the regeneration of the cartilage.
 Expected Results: Evidence of regeneration of articular cartilage in rabbits with osteoarthritis through Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.

Clinical Manifestations, Histopathological Changes And Quality Of Life In Patients With Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis Caused By Age, Trauma, Obesity And Their Combination

Objective — to reveal and analyze clinical characteristics, knee joint histopathology, and quality of life in patients at late stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA) triggered by age, trauma, metabolic syndrome, or their combination. Material and methods — We studied 120 subjects with knee OA (sensu Altman R.D., 1991) of Kellgren-Lawrence Grades 3-4. They were distributed among 4 groups (30 participants in each) based on the presence of age-related, post-traumatic, metabolic, or combined phenotypes. Clinical examination of patients with pain and their functional status evaluation (via Visual Analogue Scale, WOMAC, Lequesne index), quality of life assessment (MOS SF-36 questionnaire), along with histopathological study of medial tibial plateau cartilage and synovial membrane, were caried out, followed by statistical data processing. Results — Age-related OA phenotype was characterized by the latest clinical onset [59.5 (54-68) years of age] with the largest average patient age [72.5 (63-77) years], moderate to severe pain and knee dysfunction [total WOMAC score of 160 (127-190) points and Lequesne index of 20 (8-21) points], severe degenerative cartilage lesions [8.5 (6-10) points sensu Mankin] with high-grade synovitis [5 (3-8) points sensu Krenn]. Post-traumatic OA phenotype was distinguished by the lowest pain, stiffness and knee functional limitations [total WOMAC score of 129 (100-166), Lequesne index of 15 (14-19)], the highest quality of life in patients [physical component summary of 34.1 (30.5-36.1) points, mental component summary of 40.4 (32.9-43.8) points] against the background of local severe cartilage lesions [8 (6-8) sensu Mankin] with reparative pattern and synovial fibrosis. For metabolic OA phenotype, the typical traits included female-biased sex ratio (87%), high prevalence of clinical synovitis (77%), severe pain and functional knee disorders [total WOMAC score of 188 (162-207) points, Lequesne index of 20 (19-23) points], the worst quality of life [physical component summary of 28.0 (24.3-31.9) points, mental component summary of 30.9 (26.9-35.9) points], vascular invasion of cartilage, and high-grade synovitis [4 (3-5) points sensu Krenn]. Combined OA phenotype was characterized by variable clinical and histopathological features. Conclusion — Comprehensive comparative clinical and morphological analysis of late-stage knee OA of various origin was completed, and age-related, post-traumatic, metabolic and combined OA phenotypes were studied. The methodological basis for differential approach to treating different categories of OA patients was developed.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pain and Function in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease commonly affecting the knee joints. It affects patients socially, psychologically and economically and rates of the disease have been increasing due to obesity and old age. Regardless of choosing a medically conservative approach, it is a challenge in the long term to provide OA patients efficient treatment with minimal side effects and long-term efficiency. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a convenient, low-cost and affordable treatment technique used in treating knee OA with encouraging efficient and safe outcomes. In this study we will investigate the effect of PRP on knee OA.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study involving 252 patients with different OA grades. The Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) system was used in classifying the affected knee by degenerative cartilage lesions as well as early and severe OA. All patients with a diagnosis of knee OA were screened in every visit before the injection, the pain was assessed by the 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and knee range of motion including flexion and extension was assessed by goniometer. Follow-up appointments were done on three-month intervals for a total of three visits for evaluation. Injection of PRP was given to all the patients with a maximum of four injections. The results were evaluated statistically according to the total number of follow-up visits.ResultsIn grade II patients, the pain improved with the visits and the maximum improvement in flexion degree was noticed in patients who came for a total of three follow-up visits. In grade III patients, the most improvement in pain was in patients who came for three follow-up visits, while the most improvement in flexion degree was in patients who came for a total of two follow-up visits. Patients with grade IV who came for three follow-up visits showed the most improvement in pain and degree of flexion.ConclusionsIntra-articular injections gave significant pain and flexion improvement in grades II, III and IV in OA patients, especially with multiple injection in the short-term follow-up. As a result, recommendation of repeated multiple injections up to four times is efficient in providing long time relief in knee OA.

Periacetabular Pelvic Osteotomy in Treatment of Patients with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background. Pelvic osteotomies are widely used for treatment of young active patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) Type I according to the Crowe or type A according to Hartofilakidis classifications and the absence of severe degenerative cartilage lesions. Nowadays, Ganz periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is the most common choice of surgeons around the world in treatment of such patients.The aim of the study was to evaluate the radiological and functional results of Ganz periacetabular osteotomy in patients with DDH.Material and Methods. A single-center retrospective analysis of 49 Ganz PAO was performed in 43 patients aged 36±9 years. The radiological evaluation criteria were Wiberg (AW), Lequesne (AL), Tonnis (AT) angles, and joint medialization. The results of treatment were evaluated using the Harris scale, iHOT-12, and VAS before treatment and 1 year after, the presence of complications was also monitored.Results. The average follow-up period was 35±15 months (from 1.0 to 6.9 years). Radiological parameters improved after surgery compared to preoperative ones: AW +19.9° (17.1° vs. 37.0°), AT -11.5° (19.9° vs. 8.4°), AL +14.1° (25.1° vs. 39.2°), joint medialization -5.5 mm (14.3 mm vs. 8.8 mm) (p0.001). Functional results and quality of life of patients also improved: the Harris scale +35.6 points (47 vs 83 points), iHOT-12 +40.9 points (44 vs 85 points), pain level -2.8 points (5 vs 2 points) (p0.001). Various complications developed in 20 out of 49 cases (40.8%). Neurological complications were resolved conservatively (22.4%). A direct correlation was evaluated between the surgical treatment of DDH in childhood and the development of neurological complications after PAO (R = 0.76; p0.001). In 9 cases out of 49 (18.4%), revision surgery was required: in 3 — total hip replacement, in 2 — reorientation of the acetabulum, in 4 — arthroscopic fixation of the anterior articular lip. In 93.9% of cases native hip joint surfaces were preserved.Conclusion. Ganz PAO has good reconstructive capabilities and sufficient efficiency. The operation allows to restore the coverage of the femoral head with the acetabulum, delays total hip replacement and provides improved functional results.

The menisci and articular cartilage: a life-long fascination.

The menisci and articular cartilage of the knee have a close embryological, anatomical and functional relationship, which explains why often a pathology of one also affects the other.Traumatic meniscus tears should be repaired, when possible, to protect the articular cartilage.Traumatic articular cartilage lesions can be treated with success using biological treatment options such as microfracture or microdrilling, autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), or osteochondral transplantation (OCT) depending on the depth and area of the lesion.Degenerative cartilage and meniscus lesions often occur together, and osteoarthritis is already present or impending. Most degenerative meniscus lesions should be treated first conservatively and, after failed conservative treatment, should undergo arthroscopic partial meniscus resection. Degenerative cartilage lesions should also be treated conservatively initially and then surgically; thereby treating the cartilage defect itself and also maintaining the axis of the leg if necessary.Tears of the meniscus roots are devastating injuries to the knee and should be repaired e.g. by transtibial re-fixation.The clinical role of ‘ramp’ lesions of the meniscus is still under investigation.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:652-662. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200016

Degenerative Cartilage Lesions of the Medial Knee Compartment. Associated Factors, Operative Options, and Preliminary Results from the CartilageRegistry DGOU

This study was aimed to determine the impact of bioregenerative operations in case of degenerative cartilage lesions within the media knee compartment. The CartilageRegistry DGOU was founded in 2013. At the deadline August 2016 a total of 1847 patients were included. A total of 23.3% (n = 432) was suffering from a degenerative cartilage lesion in the medial compartment. Follow-up was performed after 6, 12, and 24 months (online evaluation). The patients were asked for their subject feeling as well as the KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) was determined. Most of the patients (n = 358) suffered from a single femoral lesion. In 25 cases single tibial and in 49 cases combined defects ("kissing lesions") were addressed by different treatment options: 39.9% autologous chondrocyte transplantation, in 8.1% in combination with a spongiosa plasty. Other treatments were drilling, microfracturing with or without matrix. In 17.9% the surgeons had chosen combined methods. The bioregenerative treatment was combined with a concomitant operation in 39.7% in patients with medial, in 56.0% in patients with a tibial, and in 67.9% in patients with combined defects. The mostly performed additional operations were osteotomies. There were no gender differences at baseline or during follow-up. The history of patients with femoral defects was shorter than in the other groups. The patients with medial defects judged the subjective outcome significant more frequently better after 6, 12, or 24 months compared with the other groups. The KOOS raised from baseline (median 52 points) to a median of 75 after 6, to 78 points after 12, and to 80 points after 24 months. Patients with femoral defects had a better KOOS-outcome in tendency. Revision operations were required in 7.1%. The treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions (respective early OA) by bioregenerative procedures are well-established measures. These treatments are sufficient to produce high patients' satisfaction and acceptable short/midterm results.

Quantitative Assessment of Degenerative Cartilage and Subchondral Bony Lesions in a Preserved Cadaveric Knee: Propagation-Based Phase-Contrast CT Versus Conventional MRI and CT.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone conditions in a fully preserved cadaveric human knee joint using high-resolution x-ray propagation-based phase-contrast imaging (PBI) CT and to compare the performance of the new technique with conventional CT and MRI. A cadaveric human knee was examined using an x-ray beam of 60 keV, a detector with a 90-mm2 FOV, and a pixel size of 46 × 46 μm2. PBI CT images were reconstructed with both the filtered back projection algorithm and the equally sloped tomography method. Conventional 3-T MRI and CT were also performed. Measurements of cartilage thickness, cartilage lesions, International Cartilage Repair Society scoring, and detection of subchondral bone changes were evaluated. Visual inspection of the specimen akin to arthroscopy was conducted and served as a standard of reference for lesion detection. Loss of cartilage height was visible on PBI CT and MRI. Quantification of cartilage thickness showed a strong correlation between the two modalities. Cartilage lesions appeared darker than the adjacent cartilage on PBI CT. PBI CT showed similar agreement to MRI for depicting cartilage substance defects or lesions compared with the visual inspection. The assessment of subchondral bone cysts showed moderate to strong agreement between PBI CT and CT. In contrast to the standard clinical methods of MRI and CT, PBI CT is able to simultaneously depict cartilage and bony changes at high resolution. Though still an experimental technique, PBI CT is a promising high-resolution imaging method to evaluate comprehensive changes of osteoarthritic disease in a clinical setting.

Assessing patterns of T2/T1rho change in grade 1 cartilage lesions of the distal femur using an angle/layer dependent approach

PurposeTo assess changes in the patterns of T2 and T1rho values within grade 1 cartilage lesions of osteoarthritis (OA) patients compared to healthy controls. Materials and methodsTwenty healthy knees and 25 OA knees were examined on a 3 T scanner. Areas of signal heterogeneity within the cartilage of the distal femur were identified using fat suppressed proton density-weighted imagines. T2 and T1rho values in each OA patient with grade 1 lesions were compared to average T2 and T1rho values of the corresponding areas in healthy subjects. ResultsA total of 28 areas including grade 1 lesion were identified. Compared to normal cartilage, the majority of grade 1 cartilage lesions demonstrated either no significant change or a statistically significant increase in both T2 values (18/28, 64%) and T1rho values (23/28, 82%). Compared to T2, T1rho demonstrated a greater proportion of statistically significantly higher values in OA patients than those from the normal controls. However, T2 and T1rho values in grade 1 lesions can be decreased, or demonstrate mixed patterns compared to those in healthy cartilage. ConclusionOur results suggest that early degenerative cartilage lesions can demonstrate various patterns of T2 and T1rho changes.

Debridement in Focal Cartilage Damage of the knee. Systematical review of the literature and recommendations of the working group "clinical tissue regeneration" of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU)

In clinical practice, there is still no definite treatment algorithm for focal, partial thickness cartilage lesions (grade II - III). It is well-established that debridement (shaving/lavage) of large degenerative cartilage lesions is not recommended, but there is no such recommendation in the case of focal, partial thickness cartilage defects. The scientific rationale of cartilage shaving and joint lavage was investigated and a systematic analysis was performed of the literature on the clinical effect of cartilage debridement. Furthermore, a consensus statement on this issue was developed by the working group on Clinical Tissue Regeneration of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU). The therapeutic approach is different for asymptomatic lesions with biomechanical stable residual cartilage tissue and clinically symptomatic defects with unstable fragments. The benefit of a joint lavage or surface smoothening of focal partial thickness has not been proved. Even more importantly, the mechanical or thermal resection of cartilage tissue even induces a zone of necrosis in adjacent cartilage, and thus leads to additional injury. Therefore, large scale smoothening (shaving) of clinically asymptomatic, fibrillated or irregular cartilage defects should not be performed. However, if there are clinical symptoms, resection of unstable and delaminated cartilage fragments may be reasonable, as it can reduce harmful shear tension in residual tissue. This can help to brake the progression of the damage and avoid formation of free bodies. The decision criteria for debridement of partial thickness focal cartilage lesions are multifactorial and include the clinical symptoms, the size and the degree of the defect, the stability of remaining cartilage, localisation of the defect, and individual patient-specific parameters. Debridement is not recommended for asymptomatic lesions, but may be reasonable for symptomatic cases with unstable tissue.

Coincidence and Therapy of Dysalignments and Degenerative Knee Cartilage Lesions. Results from the German CartilageRegistry DGOU

Purpose This multicenter study was aimed to evaluate the coincidence of degenerative knee cartilage lesions with a varus or valgus dysalignment. Furthermore, the frequency of the combined surgery of cartilage treatments and corrective osteotomies are determined. Material and Methods A total of 1778 patients were included in the German CartilageRegistry (deadline 01.08.2016). In 90.6% of patients, the surgeon calculated the alignment by clinical observation. Varus or valgus conditions were measured radiologically in only 56.0%. This study describes patients who underwent treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions with a complete (clinical and radiological) determination of the alignment. Results The mean mechanical tibia-femur angle (Paley) (mTFA) in clinically neutral extremities was 0.2° (SD 0.6; 0 - 5), in varus cases 5,0° (SD 3.2; 0 - 15), and - 4.7° (SD - 4.0; - 15 - 0) in valgus cases. Varus dysalignment was significantly associated with cartilage lesions in the medial compartment. Valgus dysalignment more frequently occurred in knees with lateral cartilage lesions. Independently of the surgeon's choice of the method of cartilage surgery, in 72.4% of all valgus deformities a corrective osteotomy was performed. Valgus dysalignment was corrected in 50%. Conclusions In about a quarter of all cases, cartilage lesions are associated with a varus (18.9%) or valgus (4.2%) dysalignment. In a number of cases, the treatment of cartilage lesions should include the addressing of these axial deviations. Still the efficacy of this procedure regarding prognosis and clinical outcome is unclear.

The frequency of cartilage lesions in non-injured knees with symptomatic meniscus tears: results from an arthroscopic and NIR- (near-infrared) spectroscopic investigation.

Are symptomatic tear injuries to the menisci of the knee frequently or always associated with cartilage damage to the corresponding articular surfaces and other joint surfaces, respectively? A total of 137 patients (medial n = 127; lateral n = 10) underwent a meniscus resection. These patients showed no signs of a clear radiographic arthrosis and no MRI-detectable cartilage lesions >grade II. Traumatic injury was ruled out with a thorough medical history. The indication for operation was made exclusively on the basis of distinct, clinically apparent meniscus signs. In addition to the ICRS classification, all articular surfaces were examined spectroscopically (NIRS, near-infrared spectroscopy). In 76.6% (n = 105) of all knees examined, clear cartilage damage (ICRS-grade III/IV) was found. For 43.8%, these were in the area of the patella, while for 34.3% they were in the area of the medial femur, and for 17.5%, in the area of the medial tibial plateau. More rarely, this damage was localized to the area of the trochlea (8.8%) or the lateral joint compartment (femoral 2.2%, tibial 15.3%). There were no significant differences between patients with medial or lateral meniscus lesions with respect to the distribution pattern of the joint injuries. During spectroscopic examination, pathological values were demonstrated (objective evidence of cartilage degeneration) in at least one of the examined articular surfaces (media n = 6, range 1-6). Through our investigations, a high, if not complete, concomitance of degenerative cartilage lesions and degenerative meniscus damage was demonstrated. From this it can be concluded that the entity of "isolated degenerative meniscus damage" clearly does not exist in practice. It is therefore highly probable that degenerative meniscus lesions, as a part of general joint degeneration, are to be interpreted in the context of the development of arthrosis. The practical consequences still are unclear. Patients after partial meniscectomy need a longer follow-up to detect potential cartilage lesions as well as an OA progression.

Cartilage repair in the degenerative ageing knee

Background and purpose — Cartilage damage can develop due to trauma, resulting in focal chondral or osteochondral defects, or as more diffuse loss of cartilage in a generalized organ disease such as osteoarthritis. A loss of cartilage function and quality is also seen with increasing age. There is a spectrum of diseases ranging from focal cartilage defects with healthy surrounding cartilage to focal lesions in degenerative cartilage, to multiple and diffuse lesions in osteoarthritic cartilage. At the recent Aarhus Regenerative Orthopaedics Symposium (AROS) 2015, regenerative challenges in an ageing population were discussed by clinicians and basic scientists. A group of clinicians was given the task of discussing the role of tissue engineering in the treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions in ageing patients. We present the outcomes of our discussions on current treatment options for such lesions, with particular emphasis on different biological repair techniques and their supporting level of evidence.Results and interpretation — Based on the studies on treatment of degenerative lesions and early OA, there is low-level evidence to suggest that cartilage repair is a possible treatment for such lesions, but there are conflicting results regarding the effect of advanced age on the outcome. We concluded that further improvements are needed for direct repair of focal, purely traumatic defects before we can routinely use such repair techniques for the more challenging degenerative lesions. Furthermore, we need to identify trigger mechanisms that start generalized loss of cartilage matrix, and induce subchondral bone changes and concomitant synovial pathology, to maximize our treatment methods for biological repair in degenerative ageing joints.

MR Imaging of Degenerative Cartilage Lesions of the Knee Joint in Floor Layers and Graphic Designers

Kneeling work leads to an additional risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have primarily been based on radiography, but radiography is limited by its inability to visualize articular cartilage, in which the earliest signs of OA occur. The objective of this explorative study, based on available data, was to examine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected knee cartilage lesions in male floor layers exposed to kneeling work, as compared to non-exposed male graphic designers.

Articular Cartilage Injury and Potential Remedies.

Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide, is associated with joint stiffness and pain, and often causes significant disability and loss of productivity. Osteoarthritis is believed to occur as a result of ordinary "wear and tear" on joints during the course of normal activities of daily living. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis is a particular subset of osteoarthritis that occurs after a joint injury. Developing clinically relevant animal models will allow investigators to delineate the causes of posttraumatic osteoarthritis and develop means to slow or prevent its development after joint injury. Chondroprotectant compounds, which attack the degenerative pathways at a variety of steps, are being developed in an effort to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis and offer great promise. Often times, cartilage degradation after joint injury occurs despite our best efforts. When this happens, there are several evolving techniques that offer at least short-term relief from the effects of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Occasionally, these traumatic lesions are so large that dramatic steps must be taken in an attempt to restore articular congruity and joint stability. Fresh osteochondral allografts have been used in these settings and offer the possibility of joint preservation. For patients presenting with neglected displaced intra-articular fractures that have healed, intra-articular osteotomy techniques are being developed in an effort to restore joint congruity and function. This article reviews the results of a newly developed animal model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, several promising chondroprotectant compounds, and also cartilage techniques that are used when degenerative cartilage lesions develop after joint injury.

Abrasion arthroplasty increases mesenchymal stem cell content of postoperative joint effusions.

BackgroundAbrasion arthroplasty (AAP) is a procedure by which intrinsic cartilage healing is believed to be stimulated. Although clinically accepted for degenerative and traumatic cartilage lesions scientific evidence at a molecular level that proves the effect of AAP is scarce.MethodMononuclear cells were extracted from postoperative joint effusions 21.5 h post AAP and simple debridement of cartilage lesions. Luminex, ELISA and FACS experiments were performed. Immunohistochemical stainings of cell cultures for cartilage markers were used to confirm the findings.ResultsPostoperative joint effusions after AAP showed increased contents of Mononuclear cells compared to Arthroscopic Chondroplasty (ACP). BMP-4 and IGF were increased in AAP as complared to ACP. Mononuclear cells isolated after AAP express the MSC markers CD 73, CD 105, CD 90, CD 44 and are CD34 negative. Chondrogenic differentiation was demonstrated by positive staining for Sox9, collagen II, proteoglycan, chondroitin-4-sulfate.ConclusionOur results support the clinical application of AAP as a procedure that enhances cartilage repair as an alternative to far more complex procedures that have gained popularity. Furthermore the data presented supports clinical investigations that recommend not to use suction drainage as by this procedure a considerable amount of the regeneratory potential of postoperative joint effusions might be extracted.

Is the clinical outcome after cartilage treatment affected by subchondral bone edema?

Subchondral bone edema is a common finding after cartilage treatment, but its interpretation is still debated. The aim of this study is to analyse the presence of edema after matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for knee cartilage lesions at different follow-up times and its correlation with the clinical outcome. Two hundred and forty-eight magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) of patients treated with a hyaluronic acid-based MACT for lesions of the knee articular surface were considered. The MRIs belonged to 116 patients (mean age at surgery 28.6 ± 10.3 years, average defect size 2.4 ± 1.0 cm(2)), 57 affected by degenerative cartilage lesions, 27 traumatic and 32 were osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). MRI follow-up was performed from 6 to 108 months after treatment. Other than its presence or absence, the subchondral bone edema was evaluated using a 3-level grading considering extension and hyperintensity, and with the WORMS score edema classification. The IKDC subjective score was collected at the time of every MRI. An analysis of the entire MRI group showed that edema is not constantly present through the follow-up, but presents a particular and well-defined trend. Edema was present within the first 2 years and was then markedly reduced or disappeared at 2 and 3 years (p = 0.044). Afterwards the level of edema increased again (p < 0.0005) and remained steadily present at medium/long-term follow-up. Patellar lesions presented significantly lower edema (p = 0.012), whereas OCD lesions presented more edema at all follow-up (p = 0.002) and a different trend, with an increasing level of edema over time. No correlation was found between edema and clinical outcome. Edema after MACT is present during the first phases of cartilage maturation up to 2 years of follow-up, and then tends to disappear. However, after a few years, it tends to reappear. Less edema was found in the patella, whereas more edema was found in the OCD, where subchondral bone is primarily involved. Interestingly, the presence of edema was not correlated with a poorer clinical outcome. Whether this might be a prognostic factor at longer follow-up remains to be determined, but our results give some indication on what to expect on both MRI edema and clinical outcome after MACT. Case series, Level IV.

Traumatic and degenerative cartilage lesions: arthroscopic differentiation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Cartilage lesions or defects are the most common finding during knee arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, it is often difficult to differentiate between degenerative and traumatic cartilage lesions. The study aimed to determine the impact of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the distinction between traumatic and degenerative cartilage lesions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC). It was hypothesized that NIRS as able to distinguish between traumatic and degenerative cartilage lesions. Arthroscopic evaluation was performed in six patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and in six patients who had undergone high tibial osteotomy (HTO). In both groups, a grade III cartilage lesion was present within the MFC. NIRS evaluation was performed with a special probe (arthrospec-one, Arthrospec GmbH, Jena, Germany). NIRS measurements produced semi-quantitative values ranging from 0 (heavily degenerated cartilage) to 100 (completely intact cartilage). The mean near-infrared-light absorption within the traumatic lesions in the MFC of the ACL group was 71.5 (range 61-80). In the HTO patients, this value was significantly (p < 0.001) lower at 31.7 (range 31-33). The margin of the MFC outside the lesion in the ACL group had the same adsorption as the lesion (p = 0.549). After an injury, cartilage has a normal or nearly normal absorbance on near-infrared-light. Thus, it is possible to distinguish intraoperatively between traumatic and degenerative lesions. In addition, our results demonstrate that evaluating cartilage with NIRS is a dependable method for improving the diagnosis of significant chondral lesions.