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Chondral defects of the knee
F R Convery1, M J Botte, W H Akeson
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine.
Contemporary Orthopaedics
|January 8, 1994
Summary
Fresh osteochondral allografts show a 76% success rate for treating knee articular cartilage defects in young adults. Success is higher for medial condyle lesions (86%) than for bipolar defects (56%).
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Localized articular cartilage defects in young adults often treated with arthroscopic shaving or subchondral drilling.
- Fresh osteochondral allografting is an emerging alternative surgical technique.
- This study evaluates the efficacy of fresh osteochondral allografts for knee cartilage defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the success rate of fresh osteochondral allografts in young adults with knee articular cartilage defects.
- To compare success rates based on lesion location (medial condyle vs. bipolar).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 90 knee surgeries using fresh osteochondral allografts up to June 1993.
- Evaluation of 38 knees with a minimum two-year postoperative follow-up.
- Analysis of surgical outcomes based on defect location.
Main Results:
- Overall success rate of 76% for fresh osteochondral allografts in 38 evaluated knees.
- Higher success rate of 86% for lesions confined to the medial condyle.
- Lower success rate of 56% for bipolar (reciprocal surface) allografts.
Conclusions:
- Fresh osteochondral allografting is a viable surgical option for knee articular cartilage defects.
- Lesion location significantly impacts the success of osteochondral allografting, with medial condyle defects faring better.
- Further research may be needed to optimize outcomes for bipolar defects.