Magnetic Resonance Observation Of Cartilage Repair Tissue Score Research Articles

Arthroscopic Treatment of Patellar and Trochlear Cartilage Lesions with Matrix Encapsulated Chondrocyte Implantation versus Microfracture: Quantitative Assessment with MRI T2-Mapping and MOCART at 4-Year Follow-up.

Seventeen patients aged 18 to 55 years with symptomatic full-thickness cartilage lesions on either patella or trochlea were treated with matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) or microfracture (MF). Both procedures combined with unloading/realigning techniques. Clinical assessment and T2-mapping were evaluated at 48-months. Clinically results from pre-op to 48-months improved significantly in MACI and MF for Lysholm (p = 0.001, p = 0.001), IKDC-S (p = 0.001, p = 0.002), KOOS-P (p = 0.000, p = 0.002), KOOS-DLA (p = 0.002, p = 0.003), KOOS-Sports/Rec (p = 0.000, p = 0.004), KOOS-QoL (p = 0.000, p = 0.003), KOOS-symptoms (p = 0.001, p = 0.020), and Kujala (p = 0.000, p = 0.01), respectively. Tegner was significant between baseline and 48 months only for MACI (p < 0.008) compared with MF (p = 0.25). No significant difference was observed between groups for any score at 3, 12, 24, and 48-months (p > 0.05). T2-mapping values improved significantly over time in MACI compared with MF at 24 months (39.35 vs. 50.44, p = 0.007) and 48 months (36.54 vs. 48.37, p = 0.005). When comparing control values to MACI at 12-m (p = 0.714), 24-m (p = 0.175), and 48-m (p = 0.097), no significant difference was found. MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) score comparison gave no statistical difference between groups. Clinically both techniques improved significantly over time. However, quantitative assessment showed that only newly formed tissue with MACI technique improves significantly since 12-months and maintains stable values compared with native cartilage until 48-month follow-up. MF results were never comparable to those native values. Level of evidence II.

Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Is an Effective Treatment at Midterm Follow-up in Adolescents and Young Adults

Background:Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established method for treating cartilage defects in the knee of adult patients. However, less is known about its effectiveness in adolescents.Hypothesis:Third-generation matrix-associated ACI (MACI) using spheroids (co.don chondrosphere/Spherox) is an effective and safe treatment for articular cartilage defects in adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, with outcomes comparable with those for young adults aged 18 to 34 years.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 71 patients (29 adolescents, 42 young adults) who had undergone ACI using spheroids were evaluated retrospectively in this multicenter study. For adolescents, the mean defect size was 4.6 ± 2.4 cm2, and the follow-up range was 3.5 to 8.0 years (mean, 63.3 months). For young adults, the mean defect size was 4.7 ± 1.2 cm2, and the follow-up range was 3.8 to 4.3 years (mean, 48.4 months). At the follow-up assessment, outcomes were assessed by using validated questionnaires (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] subjective knee evaluation form and current health assessment form, and modified Lysholm score), the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score, and if relevant, time to treatment failure. Safety was assessed by the treatment failure rate.Results:No significant difference between the 2 study groups was found for KOOS, IKDC, or MOCART scores, with all patients achieving high functional values. A significant difference was found in the modified Lysholm score, favoring the young adult group over the adolescent group (22.3 ± 1.9 vs 21.0 ± 2.4, respectively; P = .0123). There were no differences between the rates of treatment failure, with 3% in the adolescent group and 5% in the young adult group.Conclusion:Third-generation MACI using spheroids is a safe and effective treatment for large cartilage defects of the knee in adolescents at midterm follow-up. Outcomes are comparable with those for young adults after ACI.

Clinical and Radiological Changes after Microfracture of Knee Chondral Lesions in Middle-Aged Asian Patients.

BackgroundAlthough microfracture is widely accepted as an effective treatment option for knee chondral lesions, little is known about the deterioration of clinical outcomes and radiological progression in middle-aged patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiological changes after microfracture of knee chondral lesions in middle-aged Asian patients.MethodsA total of 71 patients were included in the study. They were between the ages of 40 and 60 years and underwent arthroscopic microfracture for localized full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee from January 2000 to September 2015. The recovery status of chondral lesions was assessed by using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score in postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical and radiological results were reviewed, and survival rate with conversion to arthroplasty or osteotomy as an end point was evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of the patients at surgery was 51.3 ± 4.7 years (range, 40 to 60 years), and the mean follow-up period was 7.2 ± 2.6 years (range, 1.0 to 17.4 years). The MOCART scores of 32 patients at mean postoperative 2.1 years showed three cases (9%) of full recovery, two cases (7%) of hyperplastic recovery, 23 cases (70%) with more than 50% filling, and four cases (14%) with less than 50% filling. Clinical scores improved significantly at 1 year after surgery (p < 0.05); however, the scores deteriorated over time after postoperative 1 year, and the mean values reached preoperative levels at postoperative 10 years. Significant radiological progression of arthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade) was observed at 5 years after surgery. Four patients underwent total knee arthroplasty during follow-up.ConclusionsMost patients showed more than 50% of defect filling at 2 years after surgery on MRI. Clinical results of microfracture of knee chondral lesion showed the best improvement at postoperative 1 year but gradually worsened thereafter until postoperative 10 years. Radiological progression of arthritis was observed from 5 years after surgery.

Surgical treatment of chondral knee defects using a collagen membrane – autologus matrix-induced chondrogenesis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients diagnosed with full-thickness chondral defects on symptomatic knees who underwent a biological repair technique using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis. MethodsSeven patients who underwent surgical treatment due to chondral lesions in the knee by autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis were evaluated. The Lysholm, Kujala and visual analog scale of pain questionnaires were applied before and 12 months after the surgery. Nuclear magnetic resonance images were evaluated 12 months after surgery according to MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) cartilage repair tissue score. ResultsOf the seven patients evaluated, three presented defects classified as grade III and four as grade IV according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification. Chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle (n=2), patella (n=2), and trochlea (n=3). The mean age of the patients (six men and one woman) was 37.2 years (24–54 years). The mean chondral defect size was 2.11cm2 (1.0–4.6cm2). After 12 months, post-operative nuclear magnetic resonance showed resurfacing of the lesion site with scar tissue less thick than normal cartilage in all patients. The mean MOCART score was 66.42 points. A significant decrease in pain and an improvement in the Lysholm and Kujala scores were observed. ConclusionThe use of the collagen I/III porcine membrane was favorable for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee when assessing the results using the VAS, Lysholm, and Kujala scores 1 year after surgery, as well as when assessing the magnetic resonance image of the lesion 6 months after surgery.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters at 1 Year Correlate With Clinical Outcomes Up to 17 Years After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation.

Background:The ability to predict the long-term success of surgical treatment in orthopaedics is invaluable, particularly in clinical trials. The quality of repair tissue formed 1 year after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the knee was analyzed and compared with clinical outcomes over time.Hypothesis:Better quality repair tissue and a better appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 year after ACI lead to improved longer-term clinical outcomes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Repair tissue quality was assessed using either MRI (11.5 ± 1.4 [n = 91] or 39.2 ± 18.5 [n = 76] months after ACI) or histology (16.3 ± 11.0 months [n = 102] after ACI). MRI scans were scored using the whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS) and the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score, with additional assessments of subchondral bone marrow and cysts. Histology of repair tissue was performed using the Oswestry cartilage score (OsScore) and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) II score. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Lysholm score preoperatively, at the time of MRI or biopsy, and at a mean 8.4 ± 3.7 years (maximum, 17.8 years) after ACI.Results:At 12 months, the total MOCART score and some of its individual parameters correlated significantly with clinical outcomes. The degree of defect fill, overall signal intensity, and surface of repair tissue at 12 months also significantly correlated with longer-term outcomes. The presence of cysts or effusion (WORMS) significantly correlated with clinical outcomes at 12 months, while the presence of synovial cysts/bursae preoperatively or the absence of loose bodies at 12 months correlated significantly with long-term clinical outcomes. Thirty percent of repair tissue biopsies contained hyaline cartilage, 65% contained fibrocartilage, and 5% contained fibrous tissue. Despite no correlation between the histological scores and clinical outcomes at the time of biopsy, a lack of hyaline cartilage or poor basal integration was associated with increased pain; adhesions visible on MRI also correlated with significantly better histological scores.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that MRI at 12 months can predict longer-term clinical outcomes after ACI. Further investigation regarding the presence of cysts, effusion, and adhesions and their relationship with histological and clinical outcomes may yield new insights into the mechanisms of cartilage repair and potential sources of pain.

Open reconstruction with autologous spongiosa grafts and matrix-induced chondrogenesis for osteochondral lesions of the talus can be performed without medial malleolar osteotomy.

To evaluate complication rates and postoperative outcomes in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus who underwent an autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) procedure with autologous spongiosa grafting without malleolar osteotomy. A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 35.6 ± 13.9years were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 33.5 ± 10.4months (range 24-52.9months). The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Postoperatively, lesion healing was assessed using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) protocol. There were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. In one patient, arthroscopic arthrolysis was performed due to painful arthrofibrosis. The mean VAS significantly decreased from 7.6 ± 1.1 (range 4.2-9.3) to 1.4 ± 2.2 (range 0-7.4) (P < 0.001). The mean FFI significantly improved from 46.8 ± 14.3 (range 24.3-80.8) to 15.9 ± 11.4 (range 10.0-51.7) (P < 0.001). The mean MOCART score at 1-year follow-up was 74.1 ± 12.4 (range 50-95). Both preoperative and postoperative pains were significantly higher for smokers when compared to non-smokers. The results of the present study study indicate that AMIC procedure can be performed through the anterolateral and anteromedial arthrotomy without malleolar osteotomy. Thus, the possible complications associated with malleolar osteotomy can be avoided. The AMIC procedure without a malleolar osteotomy can be considered a safe and reliable procedure in patients with osteochondral lesions localized anterior to the midline in the sagittal plane. Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Combination of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cartilage Pellet and Bioscaffold Supported Cartilage Regeneration of a Full Thickness Articular Surface Defect in Rabbits.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or biological scaffolds have been used to regenerate articular cartilage with variable success. In the present study we evaluated cartilage regeneration using a combination of bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, HyalofastTM and/or native cartilage tissue following full thickness surgical cartilage defect in rabbits. Full-thickness surgical ablation of the medial-tibial cartilage was performed in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. Control rabbits (Group-I) received no treatment; Animals in other groups were treated as follows. Group-II: BM-MSCs (1×106 cells) + HyalofastTM; Group-III: BMMSCs (1×106 cells) + cartilage pellet (CP); and Group-IV: BM-MSCs (1×106 cells) + HyalofastTM + CP. Animals were sacrificed at 12weeks and cartilage regeneration analyzed using histopathology, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS-II) score, magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score and biomechanical studies. Gross images showed good tissue repair (Groups IV > III > Group II) and histology demonstrated intact superficial layer, normal chondrocyte arrangement, tidemark and cartilage matrix staining (Groups III and IV) compared to the untreated control (Group I) respectively. ICRS-II score was 52.5, 65.0, 66 and 75% (Groups I-IV) and the MOCART score was 50.0, 73.75 and 76.25 (Groups II-IV) respectively. Biomechanical properties of the regenerated cartilage tissue in Group IV closed resembled that of a normal cartilage. HyalofastTM together with BM-MSCs and CP led to efficient cartilage regeneration following full thickness surgical ablation of tibial articular cartilage in vivo in rabbits. Presence of hyaluronic acid in the scaffold and native microenvironment cues probably facilitated differentiation and integration of BM-MSCs.

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions using Bone Marrow Aspirate and Microgenized Allograft Cartilage Extra-cellular Matrix

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus are frequently seen after ankle injury and often result in significant morbidity. Apart from a single case report, we are the first to present a case series of OCLs treated with bone marrow aspirate and micronized extracellular allograft cartilage matrix designed to serve as a scaffold to promote autologous healing. Short to mid-term outcomes using this technique are virtually absent in the literature. In this study, we sought to assess pre- and post-procedural functional outcomes using the validated Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) as well as assess cartilage incorporation on postoperative ankle MRI using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring. Methods: Twelve patients with symptomatic talar OCLs (14 lesions) were prospectively recruited. Average age was 44 years. Each underwent ankle arthroscopy, ankle arthrotomy, marrow stimulation and lesion repair using BMA and micronized extracellular allograft cartilage matrix by a single fellowship trained foot and ankle Orthopedic Surgeon. Preoperative, 6 month and 1 year postoperative PROMIS pain and function scores were collected prospectively. At six months, all patients underwent ankle MRI scans that were reviewed by a fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist for MOCART scoring. Results: No significant difference was detected between mean pre- and postoperative PROMIS function (41.4 vs 38.1; p=.54) and pain (61.3 vs 66.1) scores at 6 months. No significant difference was seen between mean pre- and postoperative PROMIS function (41.4 vs 41.8; p=.93) and pain (61.3 vs 58; p=.48) scores at 1 year. Mean postoperative MOCART score was 53.2 with a range of 5 to 90. Conclusion: Bone marrow aspirate and extracellular allograft cartilage matrix for surgical treatment of talar OCL showed no statistically significant improvement in functional outcomes at 6 months and 1 year. No correlation between functional outcomes and MOCART score was seen.

Midterm Clinical and Radiological Outcome After Autologous Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) has recently become an interesting treatment option for osteochondral lesions of the talus since it combines safety and efficacy with overcoming several drawbacks of other surgical techniques. With AMIC, donor side morbidity of osteochondral autografts is eliminated, two-step procedures like matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation are minimized to a more cost-effective single step and restrictions due to limited availability of osteochondral allografts are resolved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of AMIC by analyzing AMIC-repaired osteochondral talar lesions in consecutively treated patients after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Methods: All patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus treated with the AMIC technique completing a minimum follow-up of 2 years were enrolled in the study for clinical and radiological follow-up. Patients with additional procedures such as lateral ligament reconstruction or corrective calcaneal osteotomy were excluded. 31 of the 47 eligible patients (28 males, 13 females; mean age at surgery 35.7 (range, 13-75) years); body mass index 27.1+-4.7 kg/m2) could be retrospectively evaluated after a mean follow-up of 4.6 (range, 2.3-7.9) years. The preoperative defect size was 0.9+-0.5 (range 0.4-2.3) cm2. Only two osteochondral lesions were localized laterally. Data analysis included general demographics, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for ankle function, the Tegner Score for sports activity, and the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system for radiological evaluation. Results: The VAS improved significantly from 6.5+-2.0 preoperatively to 1.5+-2.2 at follow-up (p&lt;0.001). The mean AOFAS score was 93.0+-8.2 (range, 74-100) points. The sports activity level improved significantly from 3.5+-1.8 points preoperatively to 4.9+-1.8 points at follow-up (p&lt;0.001), but 29% did not reach their pre-injury level of activity. The MOCART score averaged 61.5+-21.2 (range, 0-95) points. Complete filling of the defect was seen in 41%, hypertrophy of the cartilage layer in 53%. Normal or nearly normal signal intensity was detected in 67%. All patients showed subchondral bone edema or cysts. The MRI findings did not correlate with the clinical outcome. 91% were satisfied with the outcome and would undergo the same procedure again. Conclusion: AMIC is a reliable procedure to treat osteochondral lesions of the talus. Significant pain reduction and high ankle function were observed after a mean midterm follow-up of 4.5 years. MRI findings did not reflect the good clinical results and therefore should only be performed to rule out other pathologies that might cause persistent symptoms.

Surgical repair of osteochondral lesions of the talus using biologic inlay osteochondral reconstruction: Clinical outcomes after treatment using a medial malleolar osteotomy approach compared to an arthroscopically-assisted approach

BackgroundSurgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus affecting the medial aspect of the talar dome is typically performed using medial malleolar osteotomy to optimize access. This study compares clinical outcomes of lesions repaired using biologic inlay osteochondral reconstruction in patients who did or did not undergo medial malleolar osteotomy, depending on defect dimensions. MethodsPatients treated for osteochonral lesions of the talus through a medial mallolar approach or arthroscopically-assisted approach were prospectively followed. Assessment tools consisted of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score (AOFAS). The magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was used postoperatively. ResultsData for 24 patients (mean age 34years, mean follow-up 22 months) was analyzed. Mean preoperative/final AOFAS and VAS in those who underwent osteotomy were 57.7/81.2 and 5.7/1.9 (p<0.001), respectively. In those who underwent arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction, mean preoperative/final AOFAS and VAS were 54.4/84.0 and 7.6/2.0 (p<0.001), respectively. There was no difference in mean MOCART score (p=0.662) for those treated with osteotomy (67.3) compared to those without (70.8). ConclusionsOsteochondral lesions of the talar dome can be treated successfully by biological inlay osteochondral reconstruction technique without medial malleolar osteotomy, with good to excellent clinical outcomes expected. MRI demonstrates good integration of the graft into surrounding tissue.

Clinical and MRI Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Skeletally Immature Children.

The literature on the osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) in skeletally immature children is scarce and little is known about the clinical outcomes and the radiologic appearance of these lesions after surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess mid-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes after arthroscopic microfracture (AM) of OLT in skeletally immature children. Thirteen patients with OLT treated by AM before skeletal maturity were included in the study. The Berndt and Harty outcome question, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation question, and the Martin questionnaire were used to obtain patients' subjective satisfaction with their operated ankle. Functional outcomes preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. MRI scans were performed postoperatively using a magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring system for 11 ankles. The median age was 15 years (range, 13 to 16 y) and the median follow-up period was 5.6 years (range, 3.8 to 13.6 y). According to the Berndt and Harty outcome question, good clinical results were reported in 10 (76.9%) and fair in 3 (23.1%) patients. The postoperative AOFAS score was significantly improved when compared with the preoperative AOFAS score, with a mean increase of 35 points (P<0.001). The overall MOCART score was 65 (range, 10 to 75). MRI variables of the MOCART scoring system showed no association with clinical outcomes. AM seems to be an effective surgical method for the treatment of OLT in skeletally immature children. Level IV-therapeutic studies, case series.

Intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and is considered to be the fourth leading cause of disability and the second cause of inability to work in men. Recently, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) came into focus for regenerative medicine as a promising tool for the treatment of OA. The administration of stem cells into impaired joints results in pain relief and improves quality of life, accompanied by restoration of hyaline articular cartilage. In the present study, nine patients (including two patients with bilateral symptoms) diagnosed with osteoarthritis (International Knee Documentation grade B in 5 and grade D in six knees) were treated using a single injection of AD-MSCs at a concentration of 0.5-1.0 × 107 cells and were followed up for 18months. During follow-up, all the cases were evaluated clinically by Knee Society score (KSS), Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS-KS), Tegner-Lysholm (T-L) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, as well as by plain radiography and by magnetic resonance imaging visualization with 2D Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score assessment. Significant improvement of all four clinical scores was observed within the first 6months (KSS for 41.4 points, HSS-KS for 33.9 points, T-L score for 44.8 points, VAS of pain from 54.5 to 9.3) and improvement persisted throughout the rest of the follow-up. MOCART score showed significant cartilage restoration (from 43 ± 7.2 to 63 ± 17.1), whereas radiography showed neither improvement, nor further joint degeneration. The results obtained in the present study provide good basis for prospective randomized controlled clinical trials with respect to the use of AD-MSCs in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Tratamento cirúrgico das lesões condrais do joelho com o uso da membrana de colágeno – condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients diagnosed with full‐thickness chondral defects on symptomatic knees who underwent a biological repair technique using autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis. MethodsSeven patients who underwent surgical treatment due to chondral lesions in the knee by autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis were evaluated. The Lysholm, Kujala and visual analog scale of pain questionnaires were applied before and 12 months after the surgery. Nuclear magnetic resonance images were evaluated 12 months after surgery according to MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) cartilage repair tissue score. ResultsOf the seven patients evaluated, three presented defects classified as grade III and four as grade IV according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification. Chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle (n = 2), patella (n = 2), and trochlea (n = 3). The mean age of the patients (six men and one woman) was 37.2 years (24 to 54 years). The mean chondral defect size was 2.11cm2 (1.0 to 4.6cm2). After 12 months, post‐operative nuclear magnetic resonance showed resurfacing of the lesion site with scar tissue less thick than normal cartilage in all patients. The mean MOCART score was 66.42 points. A significant decrease in pain and an improvement in the Lysholm and Kujala scores were observed. ConclusionThe use of the collagen I/III porcine membrane was favorable for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee when assessing the results using the VAS, Lysholm, and Kujala scores one year after surgery, as well as when assessing the magnetic resonance image of the lesion six months after surgery.

Treatment of Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans With a Cell-Free Biomimetic Osteochondral Scaffold: Clinical and Imaging Findings at Midterm Follow-up

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental condition of subchondral bone that may result in secondary separation and instability of the overlying articular cartilage, which in turn may lead to degeneration of the overall joint and early osteoarthritis. Biphasic scaffolds have been developed to address defects of the entire osteochondral unit by reproducing the different biological and functional requirements and guiding the growth of both bone and cartilage. Purpose: To evaluate midterm clinical and imaging results after cell-free osteochondral scaffold implantation for the treatment of knee OCD. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-seven patients (8 women, 19 men; mean age, 25.5 ± 7.7 years) were treated for knee OCD, with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 3 to 4 lesions with a mean size of 3.4 ± 2.2 cm2 (range, 1.5-12 cm2), and prospectively evaluated for up to 5 years using the ICRS classification system and the Tegner score. Eighteen patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 24 and 60 months of follow-up, and the graft was evaluated using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score for the cartilage layer, while a specific score was used for subchondral bone. Results: All patients significantly improved their clinical scores at each follow-up until their final evaluation. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score improved from 48.4 ± 17.8 to 82.2 ± 12.2 at 2 years (P < .0005), and it then remained stable for up to 5 years postoperatively (90.1 ± 12.0). The mean Tegner score increased from 2.4 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 4.4 ± 1.6 at 2 years (P = .001), with a further increase up to 5.0 ± 1.7 at 5 years of follow-up (P < .0005 vs preoperatively), reaching almost the preinjury level (5.7 ± 2.2). The MOCART score showed stable results between 24 and 60 months, whereas the subchondral bone status significantly improved over time. No correlation was found between MRI findings and clinical outcomes. Conclusion: This 1-step cell-free scaffold implantation procedure showed good and stable results for up to 60 months of follow-up for the treatment of knee OCD. MRI showed abnormalities, in particular at the subchondral bone level, but there was an overall improvement of features over time. No correlation was found between imaging and clinical findings.

A Comparison of 2-Year Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Tibiofemoral or Patellofemoral Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Background: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has demonstrated encouraging clinical results in the treatment of knee chondral defects. However, earlier studies suggested that chondrocyte implantation in the patellofemoral (PF) joint was less effective than in the tibiofemoral (TF) joint. Purpose: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of those undergoing MACI to either the femoral condyles or PF joint. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 194 patients were included in this analysis, including 127 undergoing MACI to the medial (n = 94) and lateral (n = 33) femoral condyle, as well as 67 to the patella (n = 35) or trochlea (n = 32). All patients were evaluated clinically (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], visual analog scale, Short Form–36) before surgery and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken at 3, 12, and 24 months, with the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) scoring system employed to evaluate the quality and quantity of repair tissue, as well as an MRI composite score. Patient satisfaction was evaluated. Results: No significant group differences (P > .05) were seen in demographics, defect size, prior injury, or surgical history, while the majority of clinical scores were similar preoperatively. All clinical scores significantly improved over time (P < .05), with a significant group effect observed for KOOS activities of daily living (P = .008), quality of life (P = .008), and sport (P = .017), reflecting better postoperative scores in the TF group. While the PF group had significantly lower values at baseline for the KOOS activities of daily living and quality of life subscales, it actually displayed a similar net improvement over time compared with the TF group. At 24 months, 93.7% (n = 119) and 91.0% (n = 61) of patients were satisfied with the ability of MACI to relieve their knee pain, 74.0% (n = 94) and 65.7% (n = 44) with their ability to participate in sport, and 90.5% (n = 115) and 83.6% (n = 56) satisfied overall, in the TF and PF groups, respectively. MRI evaluation via the MOCART score revealed a significant time effect (P < .05) for the MRI composite score and graft infill over the 24-month period. While subchondral lamina scored significantly better (P = .002) in the TF group, subchondral bone scored significantly worse (P < .001). At 24 months, the overall MRI composite score was classified as good/excellent in 98 TF patients (77%) and 54 PF patients (81%). Conclusion: MACI in the PF joint with concurrent correction of PF maltracking if required leads to similar clinical and radiological outcomes compared with MACI on the femoral condyles.

MOCART Score is Not a Feasible Tool for the Assessment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Category: Ankle, Sports, Radiographic assessment Introduction/Purpose: To evaluate the applicability and reproducibility of the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score for morphological evaluation of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) repaired using the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique. Methods: Two radiologists (R1-R2) and two orthopaedic surgeons (O1-O2) independently reviewed 26 MRI scans of the ankle performed on 13 patients (6 females, 7 males; age: 38.9±15.9, range 14-63) with OLT repaired using the AMIC technique between November 2011 and July 2015 at our institution. Out of 13, 7 were treated with biomimetic osteochondral scaffold implantation, while 6 were treated with bone-marrow derived cell transplantation. The MRI scans were performed at 6 and 12 months after treatment. For inter- and intra-observer agreement evaluation for each variable of the MOCART score we used Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Progression of MOCART score between 6 and 12 months evaluation was assessed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The inter-observer agreement between R1-R2 ranged from poor (adhesions, k=0.124) to almost perfect (subchondral bone, k=0.866), while between O1-O2 ranged from absent (effusion, k=-0.190) to poor (surface, k=0.172). The intra-observer agreement of R1 ranged from poor (signal intensity, k=0.031) to substantial (subchondral lamina, k=0.677), while that of O1 ranged from absent (subchondral bone, k=-0.061) to substantial (surface, k=0.663). There was a statistically significant increase of MOCART score between 6-month and 12-month evaluation of R1 (Z=-2.672; P=0.008), R2 (Z=-2.721; P=0.007) and O1 (Z=- 3.034; P=0.002). Conversely, the increase of MOCART score between the 6-months and 12-months evaluation of O2 was not statistically significant (Z=-1.665; P=0.096). Conclusion: MRI certainly has a crucial role in the follow-up of surgical repaired OLT but the MOCART score does not seem to be sufficiently reliable and reproducible to be applied for this purpose.

Biphasic Bioresorbable Scaffold (TruFit Plug®) for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of Talus

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The ideal treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is debatable. The TruFit plug has been investigated as a potential treatment method for osteochondral defects. This is a biphasic scaffold designed to stimulate cartilage and subchondral bone formation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term functional and MRI outcomes of the TruFit Plug for the treatment of OLT. Methods: We evaluated 12 consecutive patients treated from March 2007 to April 2009 for OLT. Clinical examination included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. MRI scans were optained pre-treatment and at last follow-up. The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score was used to assess cartilage incorporation. Results: Mean follow-up was 7.5 years (range, 6.5 to 8.7 years). The average age was of 38.6 years (range, 22 to 57 years). The sex ratio between males and females was 3:1 (9 males, 3 females). The mean AOFAS score improved from a preoperative score of 47.2 ± 10.7 to 84.4 ± 8 (p&lt; 0.05). According to the postoperative AOFAS scores 1 case obtained excellent results, 9 were classified as good, and 2 were fair. VAS score improved from a preoperative value of 6.9 ± 1.4 points to 1.2 ± 1.1 points at last follow-up (p&lt; 0.05). The MOCART score for cartilage repair tissue on postoperative MRI averaged 61.1 points (range, 25-85 points). Conclusion: The long-term results suggest that the technique of Trufit Plug for OLT is safely and demonstrates good post- operative scores including improvement of pain and function, with discordant MRI results. However, randomized controlled clinical trials comparing TruFit Plug with an established treatment method are needed to improve synthetic biphasic implants as therapy for osteochondral lesions.

The correlation between Y-balance test and ankle injury in professional baseball players

Surgical treatment for large osteochondral lesions of the talar dome (OLTD) must restore the convexity and curvature of the talus. Here, we present midterm results and describe the modified “sandwich” reconstruction procedure. Bone defects were restored using a biological inlay consists of autologous bone chips that were mixed with bone marrow concentrate and fibrin glue and covered with a xenogeneic collagen membrane infiltrated with bone marrow concentrate and stabilized by fibrin glue.Ten patients who were treated using a modified “sandwich” OLTD reconstruction were assessed after an average follow-up period of 46.4 (±18) months, using the clinical American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score and radiological magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score.The mean AOFAS score increased significantly from 58.3 (±8.5) points to 81.8 (±15.5) points as well the mean VAS score reduced significantly from 5.58 (±0.97) to 1.83 (±0.93) points. The average MOCART score was 69.5% (±16.7%) in the final follow-up.The presented modified “sandwich” technique permanently recreates the convexity and curvature in large osteochondral lesions of the talar dome with a single step surgical procedure.

Single-Step Arthroscopic Repair With Cell-Free Polymer-Based Scaffold in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Clinical and Radiological Results

To report the clinical and radiological results of patients with talar osteochondral lesions who were treated by microfracture and cell-free scaffold implantation in a single-step arthroscopic surgery. Forty patients, treated with a single-step arthroscopic surgery, were evaluated in this single-center-based retrospective study. Patients with degenerative arthritis (n= 1), history of ankle fracture (n= 1), kissing lesions (n= 1), lower extremity deformity (n= 1), and lesions <1.5cm2 (n= 4) were excluded. Oversized (>10mm depth) bone cysts were additionally treated with bone graft. Patients were evaluated clinically, using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score. Radiological assessment was performed with magnetic resonance imaging, using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score. Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 38 ± 12years were evaluated. The mean defect size was 2.5 ± 0.8cm2 and the mean defect volume was 2.4 ± 1.9cm3. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 52.8 ± 13.9 and increased to 87.1 ± 11.1 postoperatively at the mean follow-up of 33.8 ± 14.0months (P=.0001). A total of 84.4% of patients had good to excellent clinical scores. Clinical scores had no significant relation with age, lesion size, depth, or body mass index. The mean MOCART score was 64.2 ± 12.0. There was no significant correlation between the total MOCART and AOFAS scores (P= .123). A significant relation was found between the defect filling (thesubgroup of the MOCART score) and the clinical outcomes (P= .0001, rho= 0.731). The arthroscopic scaffold implantation technique is a single-step, safe, and effective method for the treatment of talar osteochondral lesions with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Sporting Activity Is Reduced 11 Years After First-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Joint

Background: Little is known about long-term sporting activity after periosteal autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI-P) and its correlation to clinical, morphological, and ultrastructural cartilage characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose: To evaluate long-term sporting activity after ACI-P and to correlate with clinical and MRI findings. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent ACI-P for isolated cartilage defects of the knee joint between 1997 and 2001 were analyzed for sporting ability for 3 different time points: lifetime until the onset of pain, the year before ACI-P, and 11 years (range, 9.0-13.4 years) postoperatively. Sporting activity was assessed and patients’ level of activity scaled using standardized questionnaires. MRI scans of the affected knee joint at follow-up were analyzed using the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) score and T2 mapping. Results: Seventy of 86 patients (81% follow-up rate) consisting of 25 female and 45 male patients, with a mean age of 33.3 ± 10.2 years at the time of surgery, mean defect size of 6.5 ± 4.0 cm2, and 1.17 treated defects per patient, agreed to participate in the study at a mean 10.9 ± 1.1 years after ACI-P. Fifty-nine patients (69% of total; 84% of follow-up) agreed to MRI, allowing the complete evaluation of 71 transplant sites. Before the onset of symptoms (lifetime), 95.7% of patients played a mean 6.0 sporting activities at a competitive level. In the year before ACI-P, 81.4% of patients played a mean 3.4 sporting activities in 2.4 sessions during 5.4 hours per week at a recreational level. At follow-up, 82.9% of the patients played a mean 3.0 sporting activities in 1.8 sessions during 3.0 hours per week at a recreational level. In contrast to objective factors, 65.6% of the patients felt that their subjective sporting ability had improved or strongly improved after ACI-P, whereas 12.9% felt that their situation had declined or strongly declined, and 21.4% stated that their sporting ability had undergone no change because of surgery. Factors of sporting activity correlated significantly with clinical long-term outcomes. MRI analysis with a mean repair tissue T2 relaxation time of 35.2 milliseconds and mean MOCART score of 44.9 showed no conclusive significant correlation to sporting activity. Level of performance was the only sporting activity factor to show a weak correlation with subgroups of the MOCART score. Conclusion: The premorbid level of sporting and recreational activities cannot be achieved 11 years after ACI-P. The MRI results determined at this time point did not conclusively correlate with long-term sporting activity.