Osteochondral Transfer Research Articles

Magnetic Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration as well as a Review on Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Cartilage Repair Strategies.

There is a clear clinical need for efficient cartilage healing strategies for treating cartilage defects which burdens millions of patients physically and financially. Different strategies including microfracture technique, osteochondral transfer, and scaffold-based treatments have been suggested for curing cartilage injuries. Although some improvements have been achieved in several facets, current treatments are still less than satisfactory. Recently, different hydrogel-based biomaterials have been suggested as a therapeutic candidate for cartilage tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility, high water content, and tunability. Specifically, magnetic hydrogels are becoming more attractive due to their smart response to magnetic fields remotely. We seek to outline the context-specific regenerative potential of magnetic hydrogels for cartilage tissue repair. In this review, first, we explained conventional techniques for cartilage repair and then compared them with new scaffold-based approaches. We illustrated various hydrogels used for cartilage regeneration by highlighting the magnetic hydrogels. Also, we gathered in vitro and in vivo studies of how magnetic hydrogels promote chondrogenesis as well as studied the biological mechanism which is responsible for cartilage repair due to the application of magnetic hydrogel.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus : Individualized approach based on established and innovative reconstruction techniques

Osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus are defined as chondral damage with subchondral involvement. The traumatic etiology is important; in particular, sprains and fractures can lead to lesions of the articular surface and the subchondral plate. As a result, unstable lesions and subchondral cysts can trigger substantial persistent pain and functional impairments. Aprimary conservative treatment can be considered and is especially recommended in children and adolescents; however, return to previous sports activity and level is often not achieved. The principles of reconstructive surgical management include internal fixation of osteochondral fragments, bone marrow stimulation, autologous membrane-augmented chondrogenesis ± bone grafting, osteochondral transfer, retrograde techniques ± bone grafting, (matrix-associated) autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous osteoperiosteal graft from the iliac crest. Additional surgical procedures for ankle stabilization and deformity correction should be considered if necessary.

Primary Autologous Osteochondral Transfer Shows Superior Long-Term Outcome and Survival Rate Compared With Bone Marrow Stimulation for Large Cystic Osteochondral Lesion of Talus

To compare the results of bone marrow stimulation (BMS) versus autologous osteochondral transfer (AOT) as primary surgical option for large cystic osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT) and to further distinguish factors associated with clinical failures and overall survival. We retrospectively analyzed patients with symptomatic large cystic OLT (>300 mm3) who underwent either primary BMS or AOT between January 2001 and January 2016 with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Lesion surface area and volume were measured on magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical outcomes were assessed using pain visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Survival outcomes and factors associated with clinical failures were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Fifty of the total 853 patients had large cystic OLTs. Thirty-two patients underwent primary BMS, and 18 patients underwent primary AOT. Mean follow-up period was 118 months, and average lesion surface area and volume were 152.8 mm2 and 850.7 mm3, respectively. The primary AOT group showed significantly superior improvements in clinical outcomes compared with the BMS group at last follow-up (P= .001). Fourteen patients in the primary BMS group and 2 patients in the primary AOT group experienced clinical failure. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a superior survival rate of primary AOT (P= .042). Syndesmosis widening (hazard ratio 12.361; P= .004) and large lesion surface area (hazard ratio 1.011; P= .014) were significant relative risks of clinical failure in the primary BMS group. However, lesion volume showed no significant relationship with clinical failure. Long-term results of primary AOT showed superior clinical improvements and survival rate in treating large cystic OLT. Risk factors for failure in the primary BMS group were large lesion surface area and syndesmosis widening. Retrospective comparative study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS OF THE ELBOW IN CHILDREN: IS THERE CONSENSUS AMONG EXPERTS?

Background:Although the available evidence generally supports surgical treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the elbow, the optimal surgical management lacks consensus. Given the myriad of options available for skeletally immature patients, the purpose of this study was to identify preferred surgical procedures based upon patient and OCD characteristics among a group of high volume surgeons.Hypothesis/Purpose:To understand current treatment practices for experts on OCD of the elbow.Methods:A survey evaluating the surgical treatment strategies for twenty-three clinical vignettes of skeletally immature patients with OCD of the elbow was created and distributed electronically to members of the Research on Osteochondritis Dissecans (ROCK) study group using REDCap. Each vignette described an OCD lesion of varying location, size, degree of cartilage involvement, and depth. Multiple-choice answers related to specific treatment strategies and technique were provided for each lesion. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize and compare responses for each vignette.Results:Fifteen surgeons treating OCD of the elbow participated in the study. All respondents were attending-level surgeons. One-third of responding surgeons treat elbow OCD weekly, 53% monthly, and 13% every six months. In skeletally immature patients with stable, intact elbow OCD lesions, 80% of surgeons would treat with transarticular (58%), retroarticular (33%), or combined trans/retroarticular (8%) drilling. For full-thickness (FT) osteochondral defects occupying 33% or 66% of capitellar width, the preferred treatment modality varied substantially based on lesion depth. Overall, the preferred strategies for these lesions were (1) debridement with marrow stimulation for FT defects with 1-2 mm subchondral bone loss and (2) internal fixation for trap-door lesions with either trace or > 4 mm of subchondral bone. There was substantial heterogeneity with respect to treatment strategy for FT defects with > 4 mm bone loss. For a lesion occupying 33% of capitellar width, 47% of surgeons would treat with debridement and marrow stimulation, 47% would treat with an osteochondral transfer, and 6% would perform both. For larger lesions of 66% width, slightly more would treat with osteochondral transfer (47% vs. 40%). Ultimately, > 75% agreement was only reached in 19% of the vignettes, highlighting the high degree of variability in the treatment of elbow OCD.Conclusion:For elbow OCD in skeletally immature patients, the greatest agreement exists for (1) the drilling of stable OCD lesions, though there is variability with respect to technique (transarticular/retroarticular/combined) and (2) internal fixation for trap-door lesions with > 5mm of subchondral bone. Nonetheless, high-quality clinical data to guide decision-making is currently lacking for capitellar OCD. Even among a group of experienced experts, there is significant disagreement regarding preferred surgical methods. Our study ultimately highlights the need for multicenter, prospective investigations to evaluate the clinical outcomes of various treatment strategies for OCD of the elbow.Table I.Preferred intra-operative treatment principles and techniques for a central, full-thickness OCD lesion of the capitellum. Lesion Depth Treatment Principle % of Surgeons Central, Contained 33% Width of Capitellum Full-Thickness Defect 4 mm Bone Loss Transarticular/Retroarticular Drilling0 Debridement +/- Marrow Stimulation 46.7 Debridement Only0Debridement + Marrow Stimulation100Drilling of Full-Thickness Defect28.6Awl42.9Abrasion14.3Other14.3Internal Fixation0 Osteochondral Transfer 46.7 Allograft28.6Autograft71.4Biopsy and ACI0Figure 1.Treatment principles and techniques for skeletally immature patients with central, contained OCD lesions occupying 33% width of the capitellum with varying articular cartilage and subchondral bone involvement. (FT = full-thickness; TD = trap-door)

Femoral Head Fracture with Hip Dislocation Treated by Autologous Osteochondral Transfer (Mosaicplasty): A Case Report

Femoral Head Fracture with Hip Dislocation Treated by Autologous Osteochondral Transfer (Mosaicplasty): A Case Report

Successful treatment of avascular necrosis of the distal femoral condyle with osteochondral autograft in an HIV positive woman: A case report

Treatment of avascular necrosis is challenging and requires patient individual treatment planning. A 26-year-old HIV positive woman presented with increasing pain and stiffness in her left knee. We diagnosed an avascular necrosis of the knee with a severely limited range of movement. During her treatment, she also developed an avascular necrosis of both hips. To minimize the risks of prosthetic joint infection in an immunocompromised patient, we decided to perform a hip arthroplasty with an autologous full-thickness osteochondral transfer of the femoral head to the femoral condyle. Despite a lack of compliance and physiotherapy, the symptoms and range of movement significantly improved postoperatively, without the patient being pain-free. We propose that in cases of simultaneous avascular necrosis of hip and knee, a large autologous transfer is an option to prolong or prevent knee arthroplasty, especially in patients with risk factors for a poor outcome of arthroplasty.

Cartilage Restoration Surgery: Incidence Rates, Complications, and Trends as Reported by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II Candidates

To evaluate the current status of advanced cartilage restoration procedures among newly trained orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery database was queried to identify all advanced cartilage restoration procedure cases submitted by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery part II board certification examination candidates from 2003 to 2015. All documented autologous chondrocyte implantation, autologous osteochondral transfer, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and marrow stimulation techniques (MSTs) procedures were analyzed. Analysis was performed to describe trends in annual incidence, types of complications, concomitant procedures, and geographical differences in incidence of advanced cartilage procedures. From 2003 to 2015, a total of 2,827 surgeons submitted 7,522 cartilage restoration procedures, with 7,060 cases documented as MST (80.01%). The number of cartilage cases decreased significantly from 2003 to in 2015 (P <.001), with MST having the largest decline (P < .001). The incidence of open osteochondral allograft transplantation (odds ratio= 1.35; P= .023) and open autologous osteochondral transfer (odds ratio= 0.84; P= .004) increased over the study period. Overall, the majority of patients (57.0%) were male; however, female patients were on average significantly older than male patients (P < .001). Cartilage procedures were performed concomitantly with a realignment osteotomy procedure in 1.7% of cases. The incidence of surgical complications increased throughout the study period from 2.9% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2015 (P<.001). Cartilage restoration procedures, specifically MSTs, are being decreasingly performed among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. In contrast, complication rates have been increasing since 2003, demonstrating a possible paradigm shift toward more complex cartilage procedures, specifically osteochondral grafting procedures. This study demonstrates a significant decline in the use of MSTs by recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. In addition, an increase in several more complex cartilage restoration procedures was found. Taken in sum, these changes may reflect a shift in residency and fellowship training away from marrow stimulation procedures that elicit a fibrocartilage reparative tissue and toward more complex procedures that provide a more hyaline-like articular cartilage surface.

Outcomes of Joint Preservation Procedures for Cartilage Injuries in the Hip: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:The detection and management of chondral injuries of the hip, especially in a younger patient population, may preempt joint degeneration. Although the outcomes of preservation techniques have been well described for other weightbearing joints, such as the knee, evidence for hip joint preservation after procedures such as microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation remains in its infancy.Purpose:To evaluate outcomes of joint preservation procedures in the hip, including the success rate and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This review was performed using the terms “hip arthroscopy,” “microfracture,” “autologous chondrocyte implantation,” “fibrin glue,” “osteochondral transfer,” and variations thereof in 5 electronic databases, yielding 325 abstracts. After the application of eligibility criteria, 19 articles were included. Weighted means were calculated for PROs, and pooled estimates were calculated for age, follow-up, chondral lesion size, and success of hip preservation procedures with a random-effects proportion meta-analysis.Results:A total of 1484 patients (1502 hips) were identified across 19 studies (mean age, 38.0 ± 1.3 years; mean follow-up, 31.8 ± 9.6 months). Hip joint preservation techniques demonstrated a high success rate, ranging from 85.6% to 99.7%. The mean pooled chondral lesion size was 2.5 ± 0.3 cm2 (95% CI, 1.9-3.0 cm2). Microfracture was the most frequent technique, utilized by 11 studies, and demonstrated an 89.6% success rate (95% CI, 82.4%-96.7%). The highest pooled success rate was exhibited by autologous membrane-induced chondrogenesis in 3 studies (99.7% [95% CI, 99.0%-100.0%]). All PROs demonstrated a statistically significant increase postoperatively, including the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, and Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living and Hip Outcome Score–Sports-Specific Subscale (all P < .05). The visual analog scale for pain also demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of 37.2% (P < .05).Conclusion:Hip preservation procedures demonstrate a high success rate, with microfracture representing the most frequently utilized cartilage preservation technique in the peer-reviewed literature. PROs significantly improved after surgery. Further investigation of hip preservation modalities with long-term follow-up is required to create evidence-based clinical recommendations and treatment algorithms.

Cartilage Regeneration in Full-Thickness Patellar Chondral Defects Treated with Particulated Juvenile Articular Allograft Cartilage: An MRI Analysis.

Background Full-thickness cartilage lesions of the patella represent a common source of pain and dysfunction. Previously reported surgical treatment options include marrow stimulation, cell-based treatments, and osteochondral transfer. Minced juvenile allograft cartilage is a novel treatment option that allows for a single stage approach for these lesions. Hypothesis Particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (PJAC) for the treatment of chondral defects of the patella would offer acceptable lesion fill rates, mature over time, and not be associated with any negative biologic effects on the surrounding tissue. Methods A retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data was conducted to identify consecutive patients who were treated with PJAC for a full thickness symptomatic cartilage lesion. Qualitative (fast spin echo) and quantitative (T2 mapping) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken at the 6-, 12-, and 24-month postoperative mark. Numerous patient, lesion, and graft specific factors were assessed against MRI scores and percent defect fill of the graft. Graft maturation over time was also assessed. Results Forty-five patients total were included in the study. Average age at the time of surgery was 26.5 years (range 13-45 years), average lesion size was 208 mm2 (range 4-500 mm2), and average donor age was 49.5 months (range 3-120 months). Sixty percent of the patients were female, while 93% of all patients underwent a concomitant procedure at the time of the index operation. Six-month MRI findings revealed that no patient-, graft-, or donor-specific factors correlated with MR scores, and 82% of the knees demonstrated good to excellent fill. Twelve-month MRI findings revealed that T2 relaxation times of deep graft demonstrated negative correlation with patient age ( P = 0.049) and donor age ( P = 0.006), the integration zone showed a negative correlation with donor age ( P = 0.026). In all, 85% of patients at 12 months displayed good to moderate fill of the graft. At 24 months, patient age demonstrated negative correlation with average T2 relaxation times of the deep and superficial graft ( P = 0.005; P = 0.0029) and positive correlation with the superficial zone of the adjacent cartilage ( P = 0.001). Donor age showed negative correlation with grayscale score ( P = 0.004) and T2 relaxation times at deep integration zone ( P = 0.018). T2 relaxation times of deep and superficial graft and integration zone improved over time ( P < 0.001) and between each time point. Conclusions Particulated juvenile allograft tissue appears to be an acceptable reconstructive option for full-thickness cartilage lesions of the patella, offering satisfactory tissue defect fill at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Imaging of the repaired cartilage demonstrates progressive graft maturation over time.

Ipsilateral femoral head osteochondral transfers for osteochondral defects of the femoral head.

Osteochondral defects of the femoral head are rare. Several treatment options have been described, though there is currently no consensus on the appropriate management of these lesions. Five patients underwent femoral head osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of ipsilateral femoral head osteochondral defects via surgical hip dislocation between 2011 and 2014 at our institution. The mean age of the patients was 24.8 (16–37) years. There were four females and one male. Mean follow-up was 53.8 (30–64) months. Four patients reported complete resolution of preoperative pain, return to baseline activities and were satisfied with their results. Harris hip scores improved from a mean 60.8 (30–87) to 86.6 (44–100). There was no radiographic evidence of progression of the femoral head defects. There were no operative complications. Osteochondral autograft transfer from the ipsilateral femoral head using a surgical hip dislocation demonstrated good clinical and radiographic outcomes at midterm follow-up in our cohort and may be considered a suitable option for management of these lesions in select patients. Further research and follow-up is warranted to more clearly define the indications and outcomes of this procedure.

Pathohistological investigation of osteochondral tissue obtained during total knee arthroplasty after osteochondral autologous transfer: a case report

BackgroundOsteochondral autologous transfer is one of the repair techniques for cartilage defects of knee with promising knee function recovery. There are no reports including histopathological images concerning human osteochondral tissue after osteochondral autologous transfer. This is the first report to present pathohistological findings of transplanted plugs and host tissues extracted from the human body 3 years after osteochondral autologous transfer. This study aimed to explore the cause factor of chronic pain using histological techniques.Case presentationA 67-year-old Japanese man presented with adjusted total knee arthroplasty 3 years after osteochondral autologous transfer. Although in pain, arthroscopic assessment was not severe. The specimens which was gained during total knee arthroplasty were investigated in gross and microscopically using immunohistochemical staining technic. Histological examination revealed that the gap between grafted plugs and host osteochondral tissues was filled with fibrous tissue that stained positive for type I collagen. A degenerative change and some neovascularity were observed in the regenerated tissue and host trabecular bone. Furthermore, cysts and bone marrow edema were observed.ConclusionOur data suggests that the host osteochondral morbidity around grafted plugs might be related to chronical pain and revision surgery.

2017

Posteriorly based osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLTs) are relatively rare, and when they are symptomatic and not amenable to traditional arthroscopic treatment techniques, they may require osteochondral graft transfer procedures, such as the osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) procedure. Historically described osteotomies to gain perpendicular access to these OCLTs, while excellent techniques, present many possible postoperative morbidities. This technical tip describes the use of a prone position midline Achilles tendon-splitting approach, a well-described approach to the posterior ankle and hindfoot, to perform osteochondral autograft transfer without need for any malleolar osteotomies. At 12 months postoperatively, the patient reported a pain visual analog score of 1.0 (75% improvement) and demonstrated an American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot score of 90 (38% improvement). At 24 months postoperatively, the patient had near complete resolution of ankle pain and had returned to normal recreational physical activities.

Arthroscopic Surgical Technique for an Acute Talar Dome Osteochondral Lesion in a Professional Rugby League Player

Talar osteochondral lesions represent challenging clinical entities, particularly in high-demand athletes. Surgical treatment of large lesions often requires a 2-step procedure, or the use of osteotomy in the case of autologous osteochondral transfer, which can delay return to sport. A professional rugby league player underwent surgery for a complex injury to the ankle. A talar osteochondral lesion with a maximal diameter of 15 mm was treated in an arthroscopic fashion using the cartilage taken from the completely displaced osteochondral fragment. Cartilage was cut into chips and combined with bone graft product containing platelet-derived growth factor and a porous collagen scaffold. Autologous cartilage was then reimplanted arthroscopically. The patient was allowed full ankle motion from 2 weeks postoperatively, and weightbearing was commenced at 6 weeks. Follow-up imaging and functional outcomes, including return to sport, were assessed at regular intervals. The patient was able to return to professional rugby league by 23 weeks postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging at 16 months postoperatively showed restoration of the subchondral plate and osseous infill. At final follow-up, the patient remained pain free and was playing at preinjury level. This report describes good outcomes using a novel, 1-step cartilage repair technique to treat a large talar osteochondral lesion in a professional athlete. Level V: Expert opinion.

Outcomes following Structural Grafting of Distal Femoral Osteochondral Injuries in Patients Aged 40 Years and Older.

Osteochondral lesions of the distal femur represent a challenging clinical entity, particularly in patients > 40 years of age. Microfracture has demonstrated inferior results in this population with clinical deterioration beyond 1 to 2 years postoperatively. Limited evidence exists to support alternative cartilage restoration procedures. The purpose of this study was to report functional outcomes and activity levels following cartilage restoration procedures in patients > 40 years with symptomatic distal femoral osteochondral lesions. From 2000 to 2012, 61 patients with distal femoral osteochondral injuries were retrospectively identified. Mean follow-up was 3.6 ± 1.4 years; mean age was 51.6 years (range 40-71); 59% were male. Of 61 patients, 35 patients (57%) were treated with synthetic scaffold (SS) plugs (off-label), 14 (23%) with osteochondral allograft (OCA), and 12 (20%) with autologous osteochondral transfer (AOT). Validated outcome measures including activity of daily living (ADL) score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective evaluation form, and Marx activity scale (MAS) were used. The average lesion size was 3.8 ± 2.1 cm2. Lesion size was significantly greater in the OCA group (5.8 ± 1.8 cm2), compared with the SS (3.2 ± 1.9 cm2) and AOT group (3.3 ± 1.8 cm2, p ≤ 0.0024). Collectively, outcome scores for the entire population demonstrated significant improvement in ADL (61.36 ± 17.76-76.81 ± 17.2, p < 0.0001) and IKDC scores (40.28 ± 13.28-61.84 ± 20.83, p < 0.001) from baseline to final follow-up, with no significant change in MAS (4.19 ± 5.13-2.59 ± 3.92, p = 0.07). Similarly, subgroup analysis identified that all treatment groups (SS, OCA, and AOT) demonstrated significant improvement in ADL and IKDC scores from preoperative to final postoperative visit (p ≤ 0.0361). MAS scores were maintained in the OCA and AOT groups (p ≥ 0.1704), but significantly decreased in the SS group (4.3 ± 5.2-2.7 ± 4.11, p = 0.0163). Ten patients (16.3%) required revision surgery at a mean of 4.4 years (range 0.3-13.4 years). Cartilage restoration procedures using structural grafts are successful in patients 40 years and older, with improved pain and functional outcome scores compared with preoperative baseline scores. OCA and AOT should primarily be used, given recent concerns with SS implants.

Autologous osteochondral transfer for the treatment of full-thickness defects in patients with or without ACL reconstruction. Results with 7 years follow-up

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of autologous osteochondral transfer for the treatment of cartilage defects in 2 groups of patients: The first with an isolated osteochondral injury and the other with associated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treated in one stage surgeryMaterials and Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 25 patients with symptomatic focal full-thickness chondral lesions in the femoral condyles during the years 2003-2009, with a minimum of 5 years of follow up. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A: 10 patients with associated ACL injury, and Group B: 15 patients with an isolated osteochondral lesion. Clinical outcome was analyzed by Lysholm and IKDC scores.Results:There was an improvement of all scores in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in the IKDC (82/84) and Lysholm (87/86) scores. The mean age at the time of assessment for group A was 46 years and 44 for the group B. The mid term follow-up was 96 months for group A and 103 months for group B. Two complications were recorded in group A: 1 infection and 1 arthrofibrosis. 2 complicationsoccurred in group B: 2 arthrofibrosis.Conclusion:The results of the mosaicplasty for the focal full-thickness chondral lesions in the femoral condyles are favorable after 5 years of follow up. There was no difference between the associated or not ACL injury.

Fixation of Femoral Head Fractures With Autologous Osteochondral Transfer (Mosaicplasty)

Posterior fracture dislocation of the femoral head is a rare entity usually requiring open reduction and internal fixation. Results of different fixation methods have been reported, including countersinking screws, headless screws, and bioabsorbable implants. Osteochondral autologous transfer (mosaicplasty) is an established method of treatment of full thickness cartilage defects of the knee, ankle, and elbow. At our institution, posterior fracture-dislocations of the femoral head were treated with femoral head fragment fixation using osteochondral autografts through surgical hip dislocation. Osteochondral plugs were harvested from the non-weight-bearing area of the lateral femoral condyle of the knee and used for fixation of the reduced fragment. This article details the technique and its application.

Osteochondral Autograft Plug Transfer for Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Adolescent Athletes

Objectives:Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a condition most commonly seen in adolescents involved in repetitive over-head sports and can profoundly affect both ability to return to play and long-term elbow function. Large, unstable defects, defined as those greater than 1 cm in size, have unproven or poor long term outcomes with surgical interventions such as fragment excision, microfracture or attempted fixation. Treatment of similarly sized OCD lesions in the knee with osteochondral autograft plug transfer has proven both effective and safe. While interest has developed for expansion of its use to the elbow, it has yet to be adequately studied. The goal of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and return to play in adolescent athletes treated with osteochondral autograft plug transfer from the knee for large, unstable OCD defects of the capitellum.Methods:Inclusion Criteria: 1) Inability to participate in competitive sports 2) OCD defect of the capitellum that was either unstable on MRI or in patients who had failed 6 months of conservative treatment 3) Defect measuring at least 1 cm in area on diagnostic arthroscopy 4)Reconstruction of capitellar OCD with osteochondral autograft plug transfer 5) Minimum of 6 months post-operative follow-up. Data collection included chart review, determination of return to play, elbow range of motion, and DASH outcomes. The surgical technique was the same for all patients. It included initial diagnostic elbow arthroscopy, including loose body removal, followed by posterolateral approach to the elbow with lateral collateral ligament takedown from lateral epicondyle and eventual suture anchor repair, preparation of the capitellar osteochondral defect and appropriate plug transfer from the lateral trochlear ridge of the ipsilateral knee through a lateral approach. All patients followed the same post operative protocol, consisting of splint immobilization for 2 weeks, conversion to a hinged elbow brace for 4 weeks with progressive range of motion, and resumption of throwing and strengthening exercises at 3 months.Results:A cohort of 11 patients with a minimum of 6 months post procedure was identified. All patients were available for evaluation at an average 22.7 months follow up (range 6-49 months). Average age at the time of surgery was 14.5 years (range 13-17 years). The group consisted of 10 males and 1 female, all of which were involved in competitive athletics. Average return to play was 4.4 months (range 3-7 months). All athletes returned to at least their same level of play as pre-operatively. 3 have received Division 1 college scholarships (gymnastics, lacrosse and baseball pitcher). Of the 5 pitchers, 4 returned to pitching. The average DASH score was 1.36 (95% CI 0.59-2.12) and the average Sport Specific DASH score was 1.7 (95% CI -1.78-5.17). There were statistically significant improvements in elbow flexion from 125.45 degrees to 141.36 degrees (p=0.009) and extension from 20.45 degrees to 4.55 degrees (p=0.006). There was one adverse event. This consisted of a superficial wound infection, which resolved with surgical debridement and antibiotics and did not adversely affect eventual return to play. There were no complications or donor site morbidity related to graft harvest.Conclusion:Treatment of large, unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum in adolescent athletes allows reliable return to high level of sports, is safe and has excellent long-term clinical outcomes.

Fate of large donor site defects in osteochondral transfer procedures in the knee joint with and without TruFit Plugs

Because of the potential donor site morbidity, cartilage lesions of more than 3cm(2) in size are considered to be critical regarding autologous osteochondral transplantation (OCT). In this study, the potential donor site morbidity for large defects should be reduced by means of OBI TruFit Plugs. An autologous OCT was carried out on 37 patients and the cylinders were received from the dorsal medial femoral condyle. The donor site defects of 21 patients (average defect size 5.5cm(2)) were filled with artificial TruFit cylinders (study group); the donor site defects (average defect size 4.6cm(2)) were left untreated for 16 patients. In the study group, the Tegner, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), knee society score, and visual analogue scale pain scores improved from preoperatively 3.2 (±0.8), 60.9 (±41.6), 133.6 (±27.1), and 4.8 (±2.3) points, respectively, to 3.9 (±0.6), 35.5 (±27.1), 177.8 (±16.6), and 3.3 (±2.9) points, respectively, at the time of the second follow-up; the control group's preoperative score values came to 2.8 (±0.9), 73.3 (±50.2), 123.8 (±41.5), and 5.3 (±2.7) points, respectively, and changed to 3.6 (±0.8), 41.4 (±28.8), 179.3 (±17.5), and 3.1 (±2.0) points, respectively, at the time of the second follow-up. The smaller the initial chondral defect was in the study group, the better the WOMAC score values became (p<0.05). The modified Henderson score at the study group's donor sites improved from 19.2 (±3.3) to 13.7 (±2.1) points (p<0.001); the control group's score values for the donor sites were 18.3 (±3.4) and 15.4 (±4.4) points (p=0.0015). OCT is an effective therapy even for large chondral defects >3cm(2). By filling the defects with TruFit implants, no clinical improvements could be found since the donor site morbidity was already low anyway. However, the regeneration of defects filled with TruFit implants took more than 2years.

Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage Implantation in the Knee: A 3-Year EPIC-µCT and Histological Examination.

Objective:The goal of this report is to describe the outcome of sequential particulated cartilage allograft and autologous osteochondral transfer treatments for an osteochondral lesion of the medial femoral condyle.Methods:A 44-year-old woman was treated with a particulated juvenile articular cartilage allograft (DeNovo NT) for a chondral lesion of the knee. As a result of continued pain, she had 2 further surgeries, including an autologous osteochondral transfer system procedure and finally a unicondylar knee arthroplasty. At the final procedure, the areas of the allograft and autograft tissue were biopsied for histological evaluation. The quality of the residual cartilage tissue was assessed first by equilibrium partitioning of an ionic contrast agent via micro–computed tomography (EPIC-µCT), and then by hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O staining, and polarized light microscopy.Results:Despite showing good healing at 7 months postsurgery by MRI, at 28 months post DeNovo NT tissue implantation the excised cartilage tissue was heterogeneous, with some regions of hyaline-like cartilage and some regions of fibrocartilage. The later mosaicplasty may have helped maintain hyaline-like cartilage of the DeNovo NT tissue in its vicinity.Conclusion:This case report describes the cartilage repair tissue produced by DeNovo NT implantation and compares it with autologous osteochondral plug tissue.

Response to comment on Gagala et al.: Clinical and radiological outcomes of treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head using autologous osteochondral transfer (mosaicplasty). Preliminary report

Dear Dr. Siddhartha Sharma, Thank you very much in your interest in our article [1]. We would like to answer your questions point by point as below. The OATS/allograft was performed as a salvage procedure in patients with ARCO III and IV who refused total hip replacement and asked for a joint preserving operation. The use of OATS in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) was approved by the local ethical committee. A written consent was obtained from every single patient. MRI is a better tool to observe ONFH progression and graft incorporation than X-rays, but unfortunately the Polish National Health Fund covers the cost of MRI examination performed as a diagnostic but not as a scientific method. Follow-up examinations from recently published papers presenting novel ONFH treatment also use only X-ray results [2]. The exact location of drill bits for OATS was planned upon preoperative MRI examination. We did not have any problems either in necrotic segment identification during the procedure or in inspection of complete removal. Bone defects were packed with morsellised allogenic bone; no osteochondrall allografts were implanted in the OATS/allograft group. The indication for subtrochanteric osteotomy in one case was excessive femoral neck anteversion. Up to 2013, seven papers, mainly case reports and case series, were published presenting outcomes of 31 hips in which OATS had been performed for different indications [3–9]. The aim of our preliminary report was to present the outcomes of OATS in 21 patients with ONFH and to share with the orthopaedic community our experiences of this novel technique. As mentioned above our paper is a preliminary report so we think there is no need for a control group to confirm our conclusions.