Evolution of a Novel Tissue Preservation Protocol to Optimize Osteochondral Transplantation Outcomes

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a procedure to treat focal osteochondral lesions (OCLs), but is limited by tissue availability, the quality of transplanted tissue, and inconsistent storage protocols. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of a novel tissue procurement, storage, and quality control protocol in treating OCLs.

Prospective case series. Donor cadaveric tissue was processed, stored, and the tissue quality analyzed using the unique tissue preservation protocol developed at our institution. Advanced cross-sectional imaging was used to size match donor tissue with recipient patients. Osteochondral allografts were transplanted using the Arthrex Allograft OATS. Patients were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) preoperatively and at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively.

Twenty patients (17 knees, 3 shoulders) were included in the study. There was a significant improvement in the following scores: overall WOMAC score, WOMAC function and pain subcategories; KOOS pain, knee-related symptoms, activities of daily living, sports and recreation, and quality of life; SF-36 physical functioning, physical role, pain, and social functioning subcategories; and VAS at all time points postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in WOMAC stiffness at 2 years postoperatively. There were 2 failures, defined by graft subsidence and persistent pain requiring reoperation.

The protocol developed at our institution for OAT resulted in significant clinical improvement in patients with OCLs and is an improvement on existing tissue storage techniques.