ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of fixation of the unstable osteochondral dissecans (OCD) lesion with autologous osteochondral plugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in 19 patients who were relevant to the International Cartilage Repair Society 2, 3, or 4 who were treated with autologous osteochondral plugs and followed-up for more than 2 years from January 2004 to January 2012. Clinical evaluation was performed by comparing the preoperative and last follow-up scores of Lysholm score and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. RESULTS: All patients were male and the average age was 19.1 years. Of the 19 cases, there were 16 cases of medial femoral condyle lateral side lesion, 2 cases of lateral femoral condyle articular surface, and 1 case of femoral intercondylar notch lesions. The average size of the lesion was 5.68 mm2, and average use of osteochodral plugs were 4.3. Average follow-up period was 38 months. Preoperative Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION: Fixation with autologous osteochondral plugs for unstable OCD uses the remnant tissues therefore conserving it, which is thought to be the positive aspect of this type of operation.