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Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
Radiological evaluation of cartilage after microfracture treatment: a long-term follow-up study
A Von Keudell1, J Atzwanger, R Forstner
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. avonkeudell@partners.org
European Journal of Radiology
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Microfracturing (MFX) for knee cartilage defects showed poor long-term results, with most patients experiencing increased defect size and diminished function. Leg malalignment in varus significantly worsened outcomes, correlating with clinical scores.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Microfracturing (MFX) shows promise for short-term treatment of focal knee cartilage defects.
- Long-term outcomes and correlation with imaging are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of MFX for knee cartilage defects.
- To correlate patient-reported scores with MRI findings after MFX.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients with focal femoral or tibial defects treated with MFX (2000-2007) were evaluated.
- Exclusion criteria included instabilities, multiple defects, and age >55.
- Clinical outcomes assessed using KOOS and Lysholm scores; radiological evaluation via MRI and radiographs.
Main Results:
- 12 of 15 patients showed increased cartilage defect size post-MFX, with 2 requiring knee replacement.
- Radiological assessment revealed poor cartilage fill in 76.9% of patients.
- Clinical scores (KOOS, Lysholm) correlated with radiological findings; varus leg alignment (>5°) was associated with poorer outcomes.
Conclusions:
- MFX did not yield satisfactory long-term clinical or radiological results for knee cartilage defects in this cohort.
- Increased defect size and poor repair were common, particularly in patients with varus malalignment.
- Clinical outcomes correlated with imaging, highlighting the importance of alignment in MFX success.
