[Homografts allogeneic of the knee and hip joints]

The technique and instruments of PAP, Krompecher and Jaros allow a precise preparation of the femoral head, acetabulum, femoral condyles and tibial plateau in the donor and recipient for the application of homograft transplants of joint articular surfaces of 5 millimetre thickness. In the present series, specimens were preserved by freezing at 30 degrees below zero to prevent immunologic reactions in the recipient. Immunogenic control tests in 12 patients have shown that freezing at 30 degrees below zero does not eliminate antigens in the transplant. In future, therefore, it is intended to transplant only cartilage with living cells in relation to the HLA system. The problem of prevention of infection has been solved by a special antibiotic preparation of the specimen. Radiographic examination 4 years after operation shows that only two of 12 patients had an unsatisfactory result. Function in these two hip joints is, however, better than before operation although the transplant has been partly resorbed. The technique of homograft transplantation of the hip and knee joints is suitable for young or middle-aged individuals in whom the only alternative would be an arthrodesis. For older persons a joint prosthesis is preferable.