Treatment Of Osteochondral Lesions Research Articles

Biphasic CK2.1-coated β-glycerophosphate chitosan/LL37-modified layered double hydroxide chitosan composite scaffolds enhance coordinated hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration

• We fabricated peptide-modified bilayered scaffold for osteochondral defect. • Superficial CK2.1@GC could realize hyaline cartilage regeneration. • Bottom biomimetic LL37@LC could stimulate subchondral bone formation. Articular osteochondral defect is commonly seen after trauma or in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis. Currently, the treatment of osteochondral lesions is still challenging due to the limited healing ability of cartilage as well as the poorly effective traditional method. In this study, we fabricated a bilayer peptide-loaded scaffold consisting of CK2.1 coated β-glycerophosphate/chitosan (CK2.1@GC) for cartilage regeneration and LL37 modified layered double hydroxide/chitosan (LL37@LC) for subchondral bone regeneration, designed in an integrated strategy involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) recruitment and multifunctional therapeutic biomaterials of bone regeneration and vascularization. The lower LC scaffold is highlighted with a biomimetic lamellar structural design, providing a novel platform for the integration of newborn bone tissue and blood vessels. In vitro results showed our peptide-loaded bilayer scaffold could induce the MSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes and osteoblasts in different layers respectively. LL37@LC could also attract MSCs and promote vasculogenesis in vitro. Meanwhile, osteochondral defect could be efficiently repaired by this peptide-modified bilayered scaffold in the rabbit model. This study demonstrated that our composite scaffold could smartly enhance the repair of hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone defect, which shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy for the intervention of patients with articular osteochondral defect.

Use of Extracellular Matrix Cartilage Allograft May Improve Infill of the Defects in Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

To evaluate the effectiveness of extracellular matrix cartilage allograft (EMCA) as an adjuvant to bone marrow stimulation (BMS) compared with BMS alone in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. A retrospective cohort study comparing patients treated with BMS with EMCA (BMS-EMCA group) and BMS alone (BMS group) between 2013 and 2019 was undertaken. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated using the modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score. Comparisons between groups were made with the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Twenty-four patients underwent BMS with EMCA (BMS-EMCA group), and 24 patients underwent BMS alone (BMS group). The mean age was 40.8 years (range, 19-60 years) in the BMS-EMCA group and 47.8 years (range, 24-60 years) in the BMS group (P= .060). The mean follow-up time was 20.0 months (range, 12-36 months) in the BMS-EMCA group and 26.9 months (range, 12-55 months) in the BMS group (P= .031). Both groups showed significant improvements in all FAOS subscales. No significant differences between groups were found in all postoperative FAOS values. The mean Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score in the BMS-EMCA group was higher (76.3 vs 66.3) but not statistically significant (P= .176). The MRI analysis showed that 87.5% of the BMS-EMCA patients had complete infill of the defect with repair tissue; however, fewer than half of the BMS patients (46.5%) had complete infill (P= .015). BMS with EMCA is an effective treatment strategy for osteochondral lesions of the talus and provides better cartilage infill in the defect on MRI. However, this did not translate to improved functional outcomes compared with BMS alone in the short term. Additionally, according to analysis of the minimal clinically important difference, there was no significant difference in clinical function scoring between the 2 groups postoperatively. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Re-operation rate after surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus in paediatric and adolescent patients

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to analyse the re-operation rate after surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLTs) in children and adolescents.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2019, 27 consecutive patients with a solitary OCLT (10 male, 17 female; mean age 16.9 ± 2.2 years; 8 idiopathic vs. 19 traumatic) received primary operative treatment (arthroscopy + bone marrow stimulation [BMS], n = 8; arthroscopy + retrograde drilling, n = 8; autologous chondrocyte implantation [ACI]/autologous bone grafting, n = 9; arthroscopy + BMS + retrograde drilling; n = 1; flake fixation, n = 1). Seventeen OCLTs were located at the medial and ten at the lateral talus.‘Re-operation’ as the outcome measure was evaluated after a median follow-up of 42 months (range 6–117 months). Patients were further subdivided into groups A (re-operation, n = 7) and B (no re-operation, n = 20). Groups A and B were compared with respect to epidemiological, lesion- and therapy-related variables.ResultsSeven of 27 patients needed a re-operation (re-operation rate 25.9% after a median interval of 31 months [range 13–61 months]). The following operative techniques were initially used in these seven patients: arthroscopy + BMS n = 2, arthroscopy + retrograde drilling n = 4, ACI + autologous bone grafting n = 1. A comparison of group A with group B revealed different OCLT characteristics between both groups. The intraoperative findings according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification revealed significantly more advanced cartilage damage in group B than in group A (p = 0.001).ConclusionsWe detected a re-operation rate of 25.9% after primary surgical OCLT treatment. Patients with re-operation had significantly lower ICRS classification stages compared to patients without re-operation.

Long-term Outcomes of Microfracture for Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Microfracture is the most common reparative surgery for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). While shown to be effective in short- to midterm outcomes, the fibrocartilage that microfracture produces is both biomechanically and biologically inferior to that of native hyaline cartilage and is susceptible to possible deterioration over time following repair. With orthobiologics being proposed to augment repair, there exists a clear gap in the study of long-term clinical outcomes of microfracture to determine if this added expense is necessary. A retrospective review of patients undergoing microfracture of an OLT with a single fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon from 2007 to 2009 was performed. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were contacted to complete the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports subscales and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, as well as surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure and their likelihood to recommend the procedure to a friend with the same problem using 5-point Likert scales. Patient demographics were reviewed and included for statistical analysis. Of 45 respondents, 3 patients required additional surgery on their ankle for the osteochondral defect, yielding a 10-year survival rate of 93.3%. Of surviving cases, 90.4% (38/42) reported being "extremely satisfied" or "satisfied" with the outcome of the procedure. The VAS score at follow-up averaged 14 out of 100 (range, 0-75), while the FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sports scores averaged 90.29 out of 100 and 82 out of 100, respectively. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) stated that their ankle did not prevent them from participating in the sports of their choice. The current study represents a minimum 10-year follow-up of patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic microfracture for talar osteochondral defects, with a 93.3% survival rate and 85.7% return to sport. While biological adjuvants may play a role in improving the long-term outcomes of microfracture procedures, larger and longer-term follow-up studies are required for procedures using orthobiologics before their cost can be justified for routine use. Level IV, retrospective cohort case series study.

Proposal of a new CT arthrographic classification system of osteochondral lesions of the talus

BackgroundSurgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is warranted if medical treatments fail, achieving good results in around 85% of cases. Numerous classification systems, based on all possible imaging modalities (radiography, MRI, CT scan, scintigraphy, and CT arthrography), have been proposed to guide surgical treatments, but none has proven to be superior. A recent study demonstrated the prognostic value of CT arthrography by accurately describing the subchondral bone plate. A systematic review of the literature has brought new criteria to predict good outcome following bone marrow stimulation surgical techniques: lesions should measure less than 1 centimeter in size and 5 millimeters in depth. Based on these data, we are proposing a new simple, 3-stage CT arthrographic classification system of OLT. Materials and methodsAfter a brief overview of the classification, 60 CT-arthrographies of ankles with OLT were organized according to this new CT arthrographic classification system by four surgeons (two juniors and two seniors). Two imaging assessments were performed one month apart. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fleiss’ kappa coefficient to determine the inter- and intraobserver agreement. ResultsAn excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement was found with overall Fleiss’ kappa coefficients of 0.897 and 0.847, respectively. ConclusionThe results of our study showed an excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement for this new CT arthrographic classification system of OLT. The principal advantage of this new classification system, based on the latest data in the literature, is its ability to easily distinguish lesions that are more amenable to bone marrow stimulation techniques. Level of evidenceII.

Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Are Clinical Outcomes Maintained 10 Years Later?

Background: Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is considered the first-line treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). However, the long-term stability of the clinical success of BMS remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes among patients who underwent BMS for OLT and to identify prognostic factors for the need for revision surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 202 ankles (189 patients) that were treated with BMS for OLT and had a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The visual analog scale for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were assessed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Prognostic factors associated with revision surgery were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard regression models and log-rank tests. Results: The mean lesion size was 105.32 mm2 (range, 19.75-322.79); 42 ankles (20.8%) had large lesions (≥150 mm2). The mean visual analog scale for pain improved from 7.11 ± 1.73 (mean ± SD) preoperatively to 1.44 ± 1.52, 1.46 ± 1.57, and 1.99 ± 1.67 at 1, 3 to 6, and ≥10 years, respectively, after BMS (P < .001). The mean ankle-hindfoot score also improved, from 58.22 ± 13.57 preoperatively to 86.88 ± 10.61, 86.17 ± 10.23, and 82.76 ± 11.65 at 1, 3 to 6, and ≥10 years after BMS (P < .001). The FAOS at the final follow-up was 82.97 ± 13.95 for pain, 81.81 ± 14.64 for symptoms, 83.49 ± 11.04 for activities of daily living, 79.34 ± 11.61 for sports, and 78.71 ± 12.42 for quality of life. Twelve ankles underwent revision surgery after a mean 53.5 months. Significant prognostic factors associated with revision surgery were the size of the lesion (preoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurement ≥150 mm2; P = .014) and obesity (body mass index ≥25; P = .009). Conclusion: BMS for OLT yields satisfactory clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 13.9 years. The success of the surgery may depend on the lesion size and body mass index of the patient.

A Novel Medial Malleolar Osteotomy Technique for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Background:The current techniques for medial malleolar osteotomy may lead to posterior tibial tendon injury and have a high rate of malunion.Purpose:To describe a novel partial step-cut medial malleolar osteotomy technique and evaluate its technical feasibility and its advantages compared with traditional methods.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:The novel technique consisted of osteotomy of the anterior one-third to two-thirds of the medial malleolus. A total of 19 ankles (18 patients) with osteochondral lesions of the talus underwent the novel osteotomy technique before osteochondral reconstruction. All patients were evaluated for more than 2 years. Radiographs were analyzed for postoperative displacement and malunion, and postoperative ankle function was evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.Results:The partial step-cut osteotomy technique was able to provide adequate intra-articular exposure without disturbing the posterior tibial tendon. The 19 ankles healed at a mean of 7.3 ± 1.5 weeks (range, 6-12 weeks). There was slight incongruence in 4 ankles, with a displacement of 1.0 ± 0.1 mm proximally and 0.3 ± 0.1 mm medially. The mean postoperative AOFAS and VAS scores improved compared with preoperatively, from 54.2 ± 12.1 to 84.6 ± 6.6 and from 6.4 ± 1.0 to 1.8 ± 1.3, respectively (P < .001 for both). No intraoperative tendon injuries were observed.Conclusion:Results indicated that partial step-cut osteotomy is a reliable and effective method for providing enough exposure, avoiding displacement after reduction, and not disturbing the anatomic structures behind the medial malleolus.

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate and scaffold for osteochondral lesions of the talus in ankle osteoarthritis: satisfactory clinical outcome at 10 years.

To evaluate at long-term follow-up patients undergoing a one-step procedure of debridement and BMAC seeded in situ onto a scaffold for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in ankles affected by osteoarthritis (OA), documenting the duration of the clinical benefit and its efficacy in postponing end-stage procedures. This series included 56 consecutive patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and up to a mean of 10years of follow-up with the AOFAS score and the AOS scale, including pain and disability subscales. Furthermore, patients were asked to rate the satisfaction and failures were documented as well. The AOFAS score improved from 52.3 ± 14.3 to 73.5 ± 23.1 at 10years (p < 0.0005); the AOS pain and disability subscales decreased from 70.9 ± 14.1 to 37.2 ± 32.7 and from 69.0 ± 14.8 to 34.2 ± 29.3, respectively (both p < 0.0005). The overall rate of satisfaction was 61.8 ± 41.2 and 68.6% of patients would undergo again the surgical procedure. A total of 17 failures was documented, for a failure rate of 33.3%. Older patients and those with more complex cases requiring previous or combined surgeries had lower outcomes, as well as those affected by grade 3 OA, who experienced a high failure rate of 71.4%. This one-step technique for the treatment of OLT in OA ankles showed to be safe and to provide a satisfactory outcome, even if patients with end stage OA presented a high revision rate at 10years. Moreover, this procedure was effective over time, with overall good results maintained up to a long-term follow-up. However, older age, more complex cases requiring previous or combined surgeries, and advanced OA led to an overall worst outcome and a significantly higher failure rate.

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: A systematic review.

This study was performed to determine whether Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with symptomatic Osteochondral defects of the Talus (OCTs) and to identify factors that influence the clinical outcome. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three reviewers independently conducted the literature search using the MEDLINE/PubMed database and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The databases were queried using the terms “autologous” AND “matrix” AND “induced” AND “chondrogenesis.” Thirteen studies were eligible for review. All studies that compared the preoperative and postoperative mean values of different clinical/functional scores showed significant clinical improvement. The final postoperative mean Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score ranged from 50.9 to 74.5. The included studies indicated that age and body mass index may have a detrimental impact on the postoperative outcome. A higher re-intervention rate is expected with the open technique, mainly because of hardware removal after malleolar osteotomy. This data analysis demonstrated that both arthroscopic and open AMIC procedures are effective and safe for the treatment of OCTs. Level IV, systematic review of therapeutic studies

WHICH CLINICAL OUTCOME SCORES ARE MORE FREQUENTLY USED IN THE LITERATURE ON OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to identify the most used scales in the assessment of the clinical outcomes for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE databases from September 1999 to September 2019, based on the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The research strategy was: osteochondral [All Fields], AND (“talus” [MeSH Terms] OR “talus” [All Fields]) AND lesion [All Fields]. Of the 364 articles found in the literature, 166 (45%) were included in the study and 198 (55%) excluded. In total, 23 clinical assessment tools were used in the studies. Results: We found 49.4% of the studies to use the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale) and 29.5% the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Conclusion: The use of AOFAS increased in relation to VAS in the last 6 years (p = 0.046), and these two scales, either alone or combined, were the most used for studying osteochondral lesions of the talus. Level of Evidence III, Systematic Review of Level II studies.

Does the Association of Microfractures for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Affect the Outcome Following Arthroscopic Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability?

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively compare the outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage with those who underwent both arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage and arthroscopic osteochondral lesion (OCL) treatment with microfractures. Our hypothesis was that the simultaneous treatment does not negatively affect the outcome of the combined surgical procedure by influencing the postoperative rehabilitation protocol and does not significantly differ from capsular shrinkage alone in terms of subjective and objective outcomes. Seventy-six patients with chronic ankle instability were treated at our department from 2004 to 2012 and reviewed retrospectively. Forty-two patients underwent arthroscopic thermal-assisted capsular shrinkage (group A), and 34 patients underwent combined arthroscopic capsular shrinkage and microfractures for OCL lesions of the talus (group B). All patients underwent a four-step surgical procedure including synovectomy, debridement, capsular shrinkage, and bracing and nonweightbearing for 21 days. In patients with OCL lesions, microfractures of the OCL were associated. Clinical assessment included objective examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot scoring system, Karlsson-Peterson score, Tegner activity level, and Sefton articular stability scale. The median follow-up was 6 years (range, 2-9 years). The median postoperative visual analogue scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and Tegner score were improved from the preoperative level for both groups (P < .001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for the subjective scores and satisfaction rate (P = not significant). Similarly, no significant difference regarding the incidence of range-of-motion restriction was reported between the two groups (P = not significant). The association of microfractures for the treatment of osteochondral lesions does not affect the outcome following arthroscopic treatment for chronic ankle instability up to 6 years from surgery.

Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: An Evidence-based Opinionated Review

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a much-discussed topic in foot and ankle surgery due to their refractive nature to therapy. OLTs include fractures of the talar osteochondral surface from acute trauma or chronic repetitive injury, and their chronic subset in young patients conventionally referred to as osteochondritis dessicans. OLTs do not tend to heal well, and their treatments remain only moderately successful without an obvious superior method. The purpose of this review is to summarize the treatment of OLTs using current available literature and provide an opinionated preferred treatment algorithm. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)

An osteochondral lesion of the talus is a common injury often resulting from an ankle fracture or ankle sprain. The role of nonoperative management is limited given the diminished healing capacity of these lesions. Among the available surgical options are cell-based techniques, which aim to regenerate hyaline-like articular cartilage. Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation is one such promising technique that has been validated as an effective and durable treatment option. This article reviews the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation technique and the evidence supporting its use.

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Elbow in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes.

Background:Osteochondral injuries of the elbow are limiting and affect the ability of pediatric and adolescent athletes to participate in sports.Purpose:To report short- and midterm outcomes on athletes undergoing microfracture or fragment fixation of osteochondral elbow lesions and evaluate the effects thereof on sporting activity.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This was a retrospective study analyzing patients who underwent surgical treatment via microfracture or fragment fixation for osteochondral elbow lesions. Patients were treated at a single institution by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2019. Diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, and patients were indicated for surgery after having persistent symptoms despite trialing rest, immobilization, and/or activity restriction for at least 3 months. Demographic data including sports of choice were collected preoperatively. Imaging and intraoperative findings were documented, and any complications were noted. Range of motion (ROM) was compared pre- to postoperatively. Return-to-sport evaluation included the ability to play the preoperative sport of choice.Results:In total, 23 patients (25 elbows) were included with a mean follow-up of 23.5 months (range, 6-60.3 months) and a mean age of 13.8 years. Of 25 lesions, 20 (80%) were on the athlete’s dominant side. There was significant improvement from pre- to postoperative ROM, including extension (mean ± SD, 6.4° ± 5.3° to 0.04° ± 0.2°; P < .00001), flexion (129.2° ± 10.6° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P = .00013), and arc of ROM (122.6° ± 13.2° to 138.6° ± 4.4°; P < .00001). Mean lesion size was 81.9 ± 59.3 mm2 (range, 15-225 mm2). All elbows demonstrated radiographic healing postoperatively. Mean time to release to sport was 4.48 ± 1.38 months (range, 2.5-8 months). Six (26.1%) patients changed or stopped their preoperative sporting activity, including 2 of 4 gymnasts and 4 of 11 baseball players.Conclusion:Arthroscopic technique with lesion debridement and microfracture or fixation appears safe and results in radiographic healing; however, with these techniques, there remains a high rate of inability to return to sport in patients involved in higher-demand upper extremity activity, such as baseball and gymnastics. Further treatment strategies, including cartilage restoration procedures, may be warranted in this population.

Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Does Gender Impact Outcomes?

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is commonly used in the treatment of osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus. There is limited data comparing gender differences in the incidence, presentation, and outcomes following AOT. The purpose of this study is to compare these differences between male and female patients.Methods:Eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent AOT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on gender. Demographic data and OCL defect characteristic data were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score was used to assess cartilage incorporation. The mean clinical follow-up was 47.2 months, with mean MRI follow-up of 24.8 months.Results:Fifty-five (65%) males and 30 (35%) females were included. OCL defect size was significantly larger in men (112.8mm2) when compared with women (88.7mm2) (p<0.0001). Male patients had a significantly longer duration of symptoms (p<0.001) and OCLs were more likely traumatic in nature (p=0.0006) when compared with female patients. Mean FAOS improved pre- to postoperatively from 50 to 81(P < .001) with a statistically significant increase in men (p<0.0001). The mean MOCART score was 82.1 and 86.7 in male and female patients, respectively (p<0.0001). Lesion size was negatively correlated with MOCART score (r = -0.36,P = .004). No differences were found in knee donor site morbidity, complication rate, or revision surgery.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that male patients typically present with talar OCLs that are larger in size, traumatic in nature, and with longer symptom duration when compared with female patients. In addition, male patients had greater improvement in FAOS scores following AOT. Therefore, understanding these differences may influence the management and treatment of talar OCLs in male and female patients.

Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Following Repair of Osteochondral Lesions After Ankle Fracture with Arthrex BioCartilage and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate compared to Microfracture

Category:Arthroscopy; Basic Sciences/Biologics; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:There has been an increasing role for arthroscopy in ankle fracture fixation, particularly in assessing osteochondral lesions (OCL). Initial cartilage damage has been found to be an independent risk factor for post-traumatic ankle arthritis. Rates of osteochondral injury with ankle fracture remain varied, but have been reported up to 62-80%. Treatment for osteochondral injuries classically included debridement alone or debridement with microfracture. Recently, new biologic augments have come to market, including BioCartilage (Arthrex): a mixture of cadaveric articular cartilage extracellular matrix. This has been used in conjunction with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). To date, no study has evaluated the outcomes of utilizing BioCartilage in the treatment of osteochondral lesions, or in comparison to microfracture alone, in conjunction with ankle fracture fixation.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of all adult patients (age > 18) undergoing operative ankle fracture or syndesmotic fixation with concomitant ankle arthroscopy utilizing our Foot and Ankle Registry. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to data collection. Patient demographic data, laterality, fracture pattern and OCL size were documented. Those with full-thickness lesions requiring treatment were divided into groups based on the use of Biocartilage + BMAC or microfracture alone. Exclusion criteria included pediatric patients, distal tibia intra-articular, and open fractures.Outcome scores for pre- and postoperative patient reported outcome measures (PROMIS) were recorded, with a minimum 6- month follow up. Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring was performed for those with postoperative MRIs to evaluate OCL healing. We also included a group that had ankle fracture fixation and arthroscopy but without any osteochondral lesion to serve as a control.Results:28 patients were treated with Biocartilage/BMAC; 19 with preoperative and 17 with postoperative PROMIS. 41 patients had microfracture; 20 with preoperative and 18 with postoperative PROMIS. 75 patients were identified in the non-OCL group; 60 with preoperative and 45 with postoperative PROMIS. Average follow-up was 20.61 months. There were no significant differences in postoperative PROMIS scores between the two treatment groups in all sub-categories. When comparing each treatment group to the control, there was a statistically significant increase in pre to postoperative global physical health scores for the non-OCL group compared to Biocartilage/BMAC. Postoperative MRIs were obtained in 12/28 patients with Biocartilage/BMAC and 10 /41 with microfracture. There was no significant difference between either group in overall MOCART scores or individual scoring categories.Conclusion:The role for arthroscopy in ankle fracture fixation is evolving, as is the treatment of identifiable osteochondral lesions. We sought to compare a novel biologic technique of Biocartilage and BMAC with microfracture for OCL management. Our results demonstrated no significant difference between treatments for postoperative PROMIS and MOCART scores.Outcome measures did not differ significantly when compared to our control group. Unfortunately, complete PROMIS and MOCART data was lacking in each group, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions. However, we believe this is a positive first step in understanding the role in treating osteochondral lesions associated with ankle fractures.

Accessibility of the Metatarsal Head Comparing Distraction and Plantarflexion in a 2-Portal Technique for First Metatarsophalangeal (MTP 1) Joint Arthroscopy

Category:Arthroscopy; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesion of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint is an established procedure. Non-invasive distraction is most commonly applied when a dorsal 2-portal technique is used. Alternatively, plantarflexion can be utilized. In order to compare the arthroscopic reachability of the first metatarsal head, a laboratory study in anatomical specimens was performed.Methods:Twenty matched pairs (n=40) of fresh-frozen lower leg specimens were obtained and randomly assigned into two groups, a distraction (DIS) and a plantarflexion (PF) group, respectively. A standard 2-portal approach (dorsolateral and dorsomedial portals) with a 1.9mm 30° scope was used. The arthroscopic accessibility of the first metatarsal head was evaluated using chondral picks. Markings at the metatarsal heads were made intraoperatively and measured after exarticulation.Results:In the DIS group the mean accessible area was 58.03%, while the accessible area in the PF group was 55.93%. Though there is a small difference between the two groups, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.51). Range of motion of the MTP 1 joint did not affect reachability. In one specimen (2.5%) the dorsomedial hallucal nerve was injured during arthroscopy.Conclusion:Access to the MTP1-joint for the treatment of osteochondral lesions is similar using distraction or plantarflexion during arthroscopy. The plantarflexion technique has the advantage of less surgical equipment needed. The dorsomedial hallucal nerve is at danger at the medial portal.

A Systematic Review of Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Category:AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:The term osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) refers to any pathology of the talar articular cartilage and corresponding subchondral bone. In general, OLTs can pose a formidable treatment challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon due to the poor intrinsic ability of cartilage to heal as well as the tenuous vascular supply to the talus. Although many treatment options exist, including microfracture, retrograde drilling, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) these options may be inadequate to treat large cartilage lesions. Osteochondral allografts have demonstrated promise as the primary treatment for OLTs with substantial cartilage and bone involvement. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of outcomes after fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for OLTs.Methods:PudMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Medline were searched using PRISMA guidelines. Studies that evaluated outcomes in adult patients after fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for chondral defects of the talus were included. Operative results, according to standardized scoring systems, such as the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot scale and the Visual Analog Scale were compared across various studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Coleman methodology score.Results:There were a total of 12 eligible studies reporting on 191 patients with OLTs with an average follow-up of 56.8 months (range 6-240). The mean age was 37.5 (range 17-74) years and the overall graft survival rate was 86.6%. The AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot score was obtained pre- and postoperatively in 6 of the 12 studies and had significant improvements in each (P<0.05). Similarly, the VAS pain score was evaluated in 5 of the 12 studies and showed significant decreases (P<0.05) from pre- to postoperatively with an aggregate mean preoperative VAS score of 7.3 and an aggregate postoperative value of 2.6. The reported short-term complication rate was 0%. The overall failure rate was 13.4% and 21.6% percent of patients had subsequent procedures.Conclusion:The treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus remains a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. From this systematic review, one can conclude that osteochondral allograft transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the talus results in predictably favorable outcomes with an impressive graft survival rate and high satisfaction rates at intermediate follow-up.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes of bone peg fixation for osteochondral lesion of the talus.

The hypothesis of this study was that bone peg fixation in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus would show satisfactory clinical and radiological results, without complications. Between September 2014 and July 2017, 25 patients with symptomatic osteochondritis of the talus and an osteochondral fragment, who were treated using bone peg fixation, were analyzed retrospectively. All were available for complete follow-up at a mean 22 of months (12 to 35). There were 15 males and ten females with a mean age of 19.6 years (11 to 34). The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The radiological results were evaluated using classification described by Hepple et al based on the MRI findings, the location of the lesion, the size of the osteochondral fragment, and the postoperative healing of the lesion. The mean VAS and AOFAS score improved significantly from 6.3 (4 to 8) and 70.6 (44 to 78) preoperatively to 1.6 (0 to 5) and 91.1 (77 to 100) at the final follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). The classification on MRI was stage 2a in nine patients, stage 3 in 14, and stage 4 in two. The lesion was located on the posteromedial aspect of the dome of the talus in 19 patients, the anterolateral aspect in five, and the centrolateral aspect in one. The mean size of the fragment was 11.2 mm (5 to 20) horizontally, 10.4 mm (7 to 18) vertically, and 5.2 mm (3 to 10) deep, respectively. The postoperative healing state was good in 19 patients and fair in six. Bone peg fixation for osteochondral lesions of the talus showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic results, without complications. This technique could be a good form of treatment for patients with this condition who have an osteochondral fragment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1349-1353.

Return to Play after Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Young Elite Athletes

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:The current scientific evidence for the clinical and sports-related outcomes of the surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) with arthroscopic microfracture (MF) in elite athletes is scarce. The purpose of curretn study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and return to sports activity after arthroscopic MF for OLTs in elite athletes.Methods:The files of 41 elite athletes (mean age 19.34 +- 3.76 years) who had undergone arthroscopic MF for OLTs at our institution between January 2011 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and visual analog pain (VAS) score, time and rate of ‘return-to-competition’ (RTC, defined as return to an official match for at least one minute after treatment), and rate of ‘return- to-play’ (RTP, defined as participation in at least two entire seasons after treatment) were used to evaluate the outcomes. We compared athletes who were able to RTP (RTP-group) with those who were not (No-RTP group).Results:The mean follow-up was 54.9 +- 13.72 months. All five subscales of preoperative FAOS were significantly improved at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score of 74.46 +- 8.10 improved to 91.62 +- 2.99 (P < 0.001) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative VAS score of 5.44 +- 1.57 improved to 2.66 +- 1.04 (P < 0.001). All patients achieved RTC (100%) at mean time of 5.45 +- 3.18 months, and 74.4% of patients were able to RTP. The RTP-group showed significantly smaller lesions compared to the No-RTP group (71.52 +- 43.29 vs. 107.00 +- 45.28 mm2, P = 0.009). The cut-off OLT size for predicting RTP was 84.0 mm2, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 75.9%.Conclusion:All athletes were able to RTC at average of 5.45 months after MF for OLTs, and 74.4% were able to RTP. The only prognostic variable for RTP was lesion size, and its predictive cut-off was 84 mm2.