Injerto osteocondral congelado para tratamiento de lesiones de cartílago de rodilla: resultados a 7 años de seguimiento / Use of frozen osteochondral allograft for the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee. Results at seven-year follow-up

Resumen Introducción : Las lesiones osteocondrales de rodilla son una afección frecuente en jóvenes. Los trasplantes alogénicos usando injerto congelado se presentan como una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con lesiones grandes o sin zona dadora. Este trabajo buscó analizar retrospectivamente los resultados funcionales y la tasa de falla de los trasplantes osteocondrales con injerto cadavérico congelado. Métodos : Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a tras plantes osteocondrales de rodilla con injerto cadavérico congelado en nuestra institución, entre 2014 y 2019, con dos años de seguimiento mínimo. Variables evaluadas: edad al momento de la intervención, escalas funciona les International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) y Lysholm pre y post operatorios, complicaciones y tasa de falla. Resultados : Incluimos 25 pacientes. La edad media fue de 43.5 años (RIQ 29-50), 45% fueron mujeres y el seguimiento promedio fue de 83 meses (DS 54.6). El ta maño promedio del defecto osteocondral fue de 4 cm2. La escala de Lysholm promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 39 (DS 19.3) y 82 (DS 15.4) respectivamente (p < 0.01). El IKDC promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 42 (DS 13.8) y 60 (DS 13.5) respectivamente (p < 0.01). La tasa de falla fue del 20% (n=5). Discusión : Los pacientes presentaron una mejoría postoperatoria evidenciada en los resultados funcio nales, y una tasa de falla del 20%. El uso de trasplante osteocondral congelado se presenta como un recurso útil para el tratamiento de lesiones condrales graves.

Abstract Introduction : Knee osteochondral lesions represent a frequent pathology within young active patients. One possible indication for severe lesions or in case of im possibility of harvesting an autograft is the use of fresh frozen allograft. The objective of this study was to ret rospectively analyze functional results and failure rate after osteochondral transplants using fresh frozen al lografts. Methods : We analyzed data from patients who under went knee osteochondral transplant using mosaicplasty technique with fresh frozen allografts at our institution between 2014 and 2019. We included those patients with at least two-year follow-up. Demographic characteristics such as age at the moment of intervention and size of the defect were included. Functional results were assessed using pre and postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores. Patients who underwent a knee replacement were considered failures. Results : Twenty-five patients were included. The me dian age was 43.5 years (IQR 29-50), 45% were female and the mean follow-up was 83 months (SD 54.6). Mean osteochondral defect size was 4 cm2. Mean pre and post operative Lysholm scores were 39 (SD 19.3) and 82 (SD 15.4) respectively (p < 0.01). Mean pre and postoperative IKDC scores were 42 (SD 13.8) and 60 (SD 13.5) respec tively (p < 0.01). Five patients (20%) underwent a knee replacement afterwards and were considered failures. Discussion : Our results after a mean seven-year follow-up evidenced an overall improvement in func tional scores and a failure rate of 20%. Osteochondral transplant using fresh frozen allografts is a reliable and feasible treatment for patients with large osteochondral defects.

Infected Post-traumatic Bone Defect of the Knee using Bipolar Osteochondral Allograft and 3D Printing: A Case Report.

Introduction: Transplantation with fresh cadaveric osteochondral allograft (FOCA) is frequently used in defects of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau to preserve the knee joint. However, the use of FOCA in bipolar lesions remains controversial in cases with bipolar defects and a history of infection. Case Report: We present a 21-year-old male patient with a massive post-traumatic osteochondral defect of the lateral compartment of the knee and a history of infection, treated by a two-stage approach. In stage 1, infection was eradicated, and joint function recovered with aggressive debridement, polymethyl methacrylate beads, bone cement spacers, and Judet's quadricepsplasty. In stage 2, transplantation was performed with a bipolar FOCA. All treatments were planned using 3D-printed models. Conclusion: The two-stage approach and 3D planning can increase the chances of transplant success by preparing the future allograft bed and obtaining an optimal match between the cadaveric allograft and the patient's defect in cases with potential contraindications, such as a bipolar lesion in the femoral condyle and tibial plateau and a history of infection. A combined approach may lead to a more beneficial outcome for the patient to preserve joint function and improve quality of life.

Talus Osteochondral Defect Treatment With Biological Scaffold.

Talus Osteochondral defects (OCDs) are challenging and there is no consensus in literature regarding which is the best method of treatment. New techniques coming from regenerative medicine are being considered good alternatives of treatment and are being used exponentially in orthopaedic surgery. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the second generation of platelet concentrates. It has a convenient method of acquisition and can be used to create a biological scaffold which is able to seal up cavitary lesions. In this article, the authors describe a talus OCD treated with a biological scaffold, reporting the technique details and its results clinical and radiological results. The case report objective is to portray the use of this kind of biological material, its advantages, and limitations.Level of Evidence: Level 5.

[Use of frozen osteochondral allograft for the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee. Results at seven-year follow-up]. / Injerto osteocondral congelado para tratamiento de lesiones de cartílago de rodilla: resultados a 7 años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteochondral lesions represent a frequent pathology within young active patients. One possible indication for severe lesions or in case of impossibility of harvesting an autograft is the use of fresh frozen allograft. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze functional results and failure rate after osteochondral transplants using fresh frozen allografts. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients who underwent knee osteochondral transplant using mosaicplasty technique with fresh frozen allografts at our institution between 2014 and 2019. We included those patients with at least two-year follow-up. Demographic characteristics such as age at the moment of intervention and size of the defect were included. Functional results were assessed using pre and postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores. Patients who underwent a knee replacement were considered failures. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. The median age was 43.5 years (IQR 29-50), 45% were female and the mean follow-up was 83 months (SD 54.6). Mean osteochondral defect size was 4 cm2. Mean pre and postoperative Lysholm scores were 39 (SD 19.3) and 82 (SD 15.4) respectively (p < 0.01). Mean pre and postoperative IKDC scores were 42 (SD 13.8) and 60 (SD 13.5) respectively (p < 0.01). Five patients (20%) underwent a knee replacement afterwards and were considered failures. DISCUSSION: Our results after a mean seven-year follow-up evidenced an overall improvement in functional scores and a failure rate of 20%. Osteochondral transplant using fresh frozen allografts is a reliable and feasible treatment for patients with large osteochondral defects.

Introducción: Las lesiones osteocondrales de rodilla son una afección frecuente en jóvenes. Los trasplantes alogénicos usando injerto congelado se presentan como una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con lesiones grandes o sin zona dadora. Este trabajo buscó analizar retrospectivamente los resultados funcionales y la tasa de falla de los trasplantes osteocondrales con injerto cadavérico congelado. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a trasplantes osteocondrales de rodilla con injerto cadavérico congelado en nuestra institución, entre 2014 y 2019, con dos años de seguimiento mínimo. Variables evaluadas: edad al momento de la intervención, escalas funcionales International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) y Lysholm pre y post operatorios, complicaciones y tasa de falla. Resultados: Incluimos 25 pacientes. La edad media fue de 43.5 años (RIQ 29-50), 45% fueron mujeres y el seguimiento promedio fue de 83 meses (DS 54.6). El tamaño promedio del defecto osteocondral fue de 4 cm2. La escala de Lysholm promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 39 (DS 19.3) y 82 (DS 15.4) respectivamente (p < 0.01). El IKDC promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 42 (DS 13.8) y 60 (DS 13.5) respectivamente (p < 0.01). La tasa de falla fue del 20% (n=5). Discusión: Los pacientes presentaron una mejoría postoperatoria evidenciada en los resultados funcionales, y una tasa de falla del 20%. El uso de trasplante osteocondral congelado se presenta como un recurso útil para el tratamiento de lesiones condrales graves.

Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus: Quality of Life, Lesion Site, and Lesion Size.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are the lesions that affect the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone of the talus. Symptoms develop between 6 and 12 months after the index trauma and are associated with degradation of quality of life. Two-thirds of the lesions (73%) are located on the medial part of the talus, 28% of the lesions are posteromedial, and 31% of the lesions are centromedial. Currently, OLT of up to 100 mm2 can behave in a more indolent condition, and above that area, the defect tends to transmit more shearing forces to adjacent cartilage and is more symptomatic.

A comprehensive review of hip arthroscopy techniques and outcomes.

Transforming the orthopedic landscape, hip arthroscopy pioneers a minimally invasive surgical approach for diagnosing and addressing hip pathologies. With its origins dating back to Burman's 1931 cadaveric study, this groundbreaking technique gained clinical relevance in 1939 through Takagi's report. However, the 1980s marked the actual emergence of hip arthroscopy for treating a wide range of hip disorders. Now, a staple in modern orthopedics, hip arthroscopy empowers patients with previously undiagnosed and untreated hip conditions, enabling them to obtain relief and reclaim their lives. By employing a compact camera and specialized tools, surgeons expertly navigate the hip joint, performing procedures from excising loose bodies and mending labral tears to addressing femoroacetabular impingement and tackling other intricate issues. This innovative approach has dramatically elevated patients' quality of life, allowing them to embrace targeted treatments and resume daily activities without resorting to lifestyle alterations.

Short-term outcomes of trochlear recession surgery combined with "Watermelon" autograft for treatment of canine medial patellar luxation: a case series / Resultados a curto prazo da cirurgia de recessão trocolear combinada com o auto-enxerto "Melancia" para tratamento da luxação patelar medial canina: uma série de casos

The aim of this study was to present a novel surgical method for correction of medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs with trochlear dysplasia and marked hypoplasia of the medial femoral condyle. The "Watermelon" approach was applied together with trochlear wedge recession or trochlear block recession and consisted in increasing the height of the medial condyle with an osteochondral autograft resembling a watermelon slice, placed into an additional slot in the medial femoral condyle to prevent the postoperative reluxation of the patella. The study cohort included 19 dogs (25 joints) from small breeds (Pinscher, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua) with second-grade medial patellar luxation. Fourteen joints were submitted to wedge recession surgery combined with "Watermelon" grafting, and 11 joints: to block recession surgery with "Watermelon" grafting. The sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty combined with "Watermelon" grafting was clinically successful and with low percentage of minor postoperative complications. The mean duration of anesthesia was significantly longer for block recession combined with "Watermelon" (P<0.001), but the recovery period was shorter (P<0.05).

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar um novo método cirúrgico para correção da luxação patelar medial em cães de raça pequena com displasia troquelar e hipoplasia marcada do côndilo femoral medial. A abordagem "Melancia" foi aplicada juntamente com a recessão da cunha trocolear ou recessão do bloco trocolear e consistiu em aumentar a altura do côndilo medial com um auto-enxerto osteocondral parecido com uma fatia de melancia, colocado em uma fenda adicional no côndilo femoral medial para evitar o relaxamento pós-operatório da patela. A coorte do estudo incluiu 19 cães (25 juntas) de raças pequenas (Pinscher, Pomeranian, e Chihuahua) com luxação patelar medial de segundo grau. Catorze juntas foram submetidas à cirurgia de recessão em cunha combinada com enxerto de "melancia", e 11 juntas: para bloquear a cirurgia de recessão com enxerto de "melancia". A trocleoplastia de "melancia" combinada com o enxerto de "melancia" foi clinicamente bem sucedida e com baixo percentual de pequenas complicações pós-operatórias. A duração média da anestesia foi significativamente maior para a recessão em bloco combinada com "Melancia" (P<0,001), mas o período de recuperação foi mais curto (P<0,05).

Capitellum Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow.

Reconstruction of unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum using fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation from the capitellum has the advantages of restoring hyaline cartilage, matching the native radius of curvature, and avoiding the donor-site morbidity encountered with osteochondral autograft transfer. This technical note describes the indications and contraindications, pertinent anatomy, and surgical technique of open osteochondral allograft transplantation using fresh distal humerus allograft for the treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the capitellum.

Short-term Results of Hemiarthroplasty of the Ankle Joint for Talar-Sided Cartilage Loss.

Background: Ankle hemiarthroplasty is a 1-piece implant system replacing the talar side of the tibiotalar joint. Hemiarthroplasty offers limited bone resection and may provide easier revision options than joint-ablating procedures. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, noncomparative, nonrandomized clinical study with short term follow-up on patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle. Radiologic and functional outcomes (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score FAOS, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM], Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36], Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment [SMFA], and visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores) were obtained at 3 and 12 months and the last follow-up (mean 31.9 months). Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. Three were converted to total ankle replacement at 14, 16, and 18 months. Pain VAS scores improved on average from 6.8 to 4.8 (P = .044) of the remaining 7 at a mean of 31.9 months' follow-up. For these 7 in the Survival Group, we found that SF-36 physical health component improved from 25.03 to 42.25 (P = .030), SMFA dysfunction and bother indexes improved from 46.36 to 32.28 (P = .001), and from 55.21 to 30.14 (P = .002) in the Survival Group, and FAAM sports improved from 12.5 to 34.5 (P = .023). Conclusion: Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle joint for talar-sided lesions had a 30% failure rate by 18 months. Those who did not have an early failure exhibited modest pain reduction, functional improvements, and better quality of life in short-term follow-up. This procedure offers a possible alternative for isolated talar ankle cartilage cases. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.

Evaluation and management of osteochondral lesions of the talus in skeletally immature patients / Evaluación y tratamiento de las lesiones osteocondrales del astrágalo en pacientes esqueléticamente inmaduros

Abstract: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are defined as damage to the talar cartilage, with pathological changes in the underlying bone. They include a group of injuries that involve juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) and osteochondral fractures of the talus. The etiology of OLT remains not fully clarified but is more common in young and active patients. Treatment strategies for OLTs in skeletally immature populations depend on the magnitude of symptoms, lesion morphology (stability and overlying cartilage integrity), size, nature of the lesion (traumatic versus JOCD), ankle stability, lower extremity alignment, and previous treatment. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of OLTs in skeletally immature patients.

Resumen: Las lesiones osteocondrales del astrágalo (OLT) se definen como lesiones del cartílago talar, con cambios patológicos en el hueso subyacente. Incluyen un grupo de lesiones que implican osteocondritis disecante juvenil (JOCD) y fracturas osteocondrales del astrágalo. La etiología de las OLT aún no está totalmente aclarada, pero son más frecuentes en pacientes jóvenes y activos. Las estrategias de tratamiento de las OLT en poblaciones esqueléticamente inmaduras dependen de la magnitud de los síntomas, la morfología de la lesión (estabilidad e integridad del cartílago suprayacente), el tamaño, la naturaleza de la lesión (traumática frente a JOCD), la estabilidad del tobillo, la alineación de la extremidad inferior y el tratamiento previo. El objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar una visión general de las pruebas actuales para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los OLT en pacientes esqueléticamente inmaduros.

Quality and Variability of Physical Therapy Protocols Varies Widely for Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Femoral Condyles.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality and variability of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation rehabilitation protocols associated with academic orthopedic programs in the United States. DESIGN: A systematic review was performed to collect all publicly available online rehabilitation protocols for femoral condyle OCA transplant from US academic orthopedic programs participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service. These protocols were evaluated for inclusion of different rehabilitation components as well as timing of suggested initiation of these activities. RESULTS: A total of 22 protocols were included. Although 91% of protocols recommended bracing, wide variation exists in total time of utilization. Median time for full weight bearing (FWB) was 7 weeks (range 4-8). On average, each protocol mentioned 9 (range 2-18) different strengthening exercises. The median time suggested to return to high-impact activities was 9 months (range 8-12). Only 3 protocols (14%) offered criteria of advancement for each phase as well as criteria for discharge. CONCLUSION: Very few of the academic orthopedic programs have published online rehabilitation protocols following OCA transplantation. Although there is wide variation between the protocols, it allowed the identification of trends or patterns that are more common. However, there is need for more standardized evidence-based rehabilitation protocols which are easy to understand and follow by patients.

Evaluation and management of osteochondral lesions of the talus in skeletally immature patients.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are defined as damage to the talar cartilage, with pathological changes in the underlying bone. They include a group of injuries that involve juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) and osteochondral fractures of the talus. The etiology of OLT remains not fully clarified but is more common in young and active patients. Treatment strategies for OLTs in skeletally immature populations depend on the magnitude of symptoms, lesion morphology (stability and overlying cartilage integrity), size, nature of the lesion (traumatic versus JOCD), ankle stability, lower extremity alignment, and previous treatment. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of OLTs in skeletally immature patients.

Las lesiones osteocondrales del astrágalo (OLT) se definen como lesiones del cartílago talar, con cambios patológicos en el hueso subyacente. Incluyen un grupo de lesiones que implican osteocondritis disecante juvenil (JOCD) y fracturas osteocondrales del astrágalo. La etiología de las OLT aún no está totalmente aclarada, pero son más frecuentes en pacientes jóvenes y activos. Las estrategias de tratamiento de las OLT en poblaciones esqueléticamente inmaduras dependen de la magnitud de los síntomas, la morfología de la lesión (estabilidad e integridad del cartílago suprayacente), el tamaño, la naturaleza de la lesión (traumática frente a JOCD), la estabilidad del tobillo, la alineación de la extremidad inferior y el tratamiento previo. El objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar una visión general de las pruebas actuales para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los OLT en pacientes esqueléticamente inmaduros.

Fractura osteocondral traumática de rodilla en edad pediátrica: reporte de un caso / Traumatic osteochondral knee fracture in pediatric age: report of a case / Fratura osteocondral traumática do joelho em idade pediátrica: relato de um caso

Las fracturas osteocondrales (FOC) traumáticas de rodilla en la edad pediátrica, son lesiones que acompañan hasta un 30% de las luxaciones agudas de rótula (LAR). Si no se mantiene una elevada sospecha clínica, es frecuente su retraso diagnóstico, pudiendo generar potenciales complicaciones. A propósito, presentamos el caso de una paciente de 12 años con una FOC post LAR que pasó inadvertida en la primera consulta, requiriendo la fijación del fragmento osteocondral con tornillos HCS a los 5 meses, logrando un excelente resultado funcional a los 54 meses de seguimiento.

Traumatic osteochondral fractures (OCF) of the knee in pediatric age are injuries that accompany up to 30% of acute patellar dislocations (APD). If high clinical suspicion is not maintained, its diagnostic delay is frequent, and may generate potential complications. Incidentally, we present the case of a 12-year-old patient with a post-APD OCF that went unnoticed in the first consultation, requiring fixation of the osteochondral fragment with HCS screws at 5 months. Achieving an excellent functional result at 54 months follow-up.

As fraturas osteocondrais traumáticas (FOC) do joelho em idade pediátrica são lesões que acompanham até 30% das luxações agudas da patela (LAP). Se uma alta suspeita clínica não for mantida, seu atraso no diagnóstico é frequente e pode gerar complicações potenciais. A propósito, apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 12 anos com FOC pós-LAP que passou despercebido na primeira consulta, exigindo fixação do fragmento osteocondral com parafusos HCS em 5 meses. Obtendo um excelente resultado funcional aos 54 de acompanhamento.

Treatment of Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions Using Microfractures Associated with a Chitosan Scaffold: Mid-Term Clinical and Radiological Results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiological results of patellofemoral osteochondral lesions treated with microfractures associated with a chitosan scaffold. DESIGN: A retrospective observational analytical study was performed. Fifteen patients with full-thickness patellofemoral osteochondral lesions were included. Quantity and quality of the reparation cartilage was assessed with the MOCART 2.0 score on a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical outcomes were evaluated with pre- and postoperative Kujala score tests. Shapiro-Wilk test for normality was applied as well as Wilcoxon's signed rank test and Kruskal-Wallis H test for clinical scores within subjects and patella versus trochlea subgroups comparisons. Analysis of variance test was used for imaging subgroups comparison, with P < 0.05 defined as statistical significance. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 33.36 months (range 24-60 months). Postoperative Kujala scores improved an average of 19 points compared with the preoperative state (SE = 17.6; P < 0.001). No statistical difference was found through the clinical location assessment (P = 0.756), as well as the cartilage imaging assessment (P = 0.756). The mean MOCART 2.0 scale was 67.67 (range 50-85). CONCLUSIONS: Treating full-thickness patellofemoral osteochondral lesions with microfractures associated with a chitosan scaffold proved to be effective regarding defect filling and symptomatic improvement.

[Medium-term results of autologous osteochondral transplantation in patellar cartilage injuries]. / Resultados a mediano plazo del trasplante osteocondral autólogo en las lesiones del cartílago patelar.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar cartilage is subject to high mechanical requests and is a very frequent location of injuries. There is no consensus on their treatment. Autologous osteochondral transplantation may be an alternative to small to medium-sized condral defects with varying results in the literature. Our goal is to analyze the medium-term functional outcomes of patients with grade III-IV patellar cartilage injuries from the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) treated at our facility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study in patients under 55 years of age, with a symptomatic patellar condral defect, diameter less than 2 cm, grade III-IV of ICRS treated by autologous osteochondral transplant between 2012 and 2018. The following variables are evaluated: age, sex, injury size, affected facet, number of transplanted cylinders, pre- and postoperative Kujala score, and pre- and postoperative analog visual pain scale (EVA). RESULTS: Eleven patients integrated into our study. The median age was 47 years. The median diameter of the condral defect 1.3 cm. Median follow-up 3.9 years (1.84-5.58 years). The median of the preoperative Kujala questionnaire is 33 and is 89 at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.003). The median of the preoperative EVA score is 9 and 2 at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Autologous osteochondral transplantation generated a significant subjective improvement in function and pain.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cartílago rotuliano está sometido a altas demandas mecánicas y es una localización muy frecuente de lesiones. No existe consenso en cuanto a su tratamiento. El trasplante osteocondral autólogo puede ser una alternativa para los defectos condrales de pequeño o mediano tamaño con resultados variables en la bibliografía. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los resultados funcionales a mediano plazo de los pacientes con lesiones del cartílago patelar grado III-IV de la International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) tratados en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo con pacientes menores de 55 años, con un defecto condral patelar sintomático, diámetro menor de 2 cm, grado III-IV de la ICRS tratados mediante trasplante osteocondral autólogo entre los años 2012 y 2018. Se evalúan las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, tamaño de la lesión, faceta afectada, número de cilindros trasplantados, escala de Kujala pre y postoperatoria y escala visual analógica del dolor (EVA) pre y postoperatoria. RESULTADOS: Integramos en nuestro estudio 11 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 47 años. La mediana del diámetro del defecto condral 1.3 cm. La mediana de seguimiento 3.9 años (1.84-5.58 años). La mediana del cuestionario Kujala preoperatoria es 33 y asciende a 89 al final del seguimiento (p = 0.003). La mediana de la puntuación EVA preoperatoria es nueve y dos al final del seguimiento (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIÓN: El trasplante osteocondral autólogo generó una importante mejora subjetiva de la función y del dolor.

Tratamiento artroscópico en lesión osteocondral subtalar / Arthroscopic treatment of subtalar osteochondral lesion

Las lesiones osteocondrales de la articulación subtalar es una patología infrecuente y de incidencia variable, dado su reporte principalmente como hallazgo en el estudio de dolor crónico de tobillo y ya con cambios degenerativos articulares. La sospecha clínica y el estudio imagenológico dirigido, permiten investigar esas lesiones en estadios iniciales, evitando así el uso de técnicas que no preservan la articulación para su manejo. La artroscopía subtalar es una excelente herramienta tanto diagnóstica como terapéutica para la resolución de dichas lesiones. Dadas las características anatómicas y biomecánicas de la articulación, en estadios iniciales, el manejo mediante sinovectomía y microfracturas es una alternativa con excelentes resultados funcionales. Este trabajo incluye dos casos de lesiones osteocondrales de la faceta posterior de la articulación subtalar manejadas vía artroscópica mediante sinovectomía y microfracturas y su posterior evolución.

Osteochondral lesions in the subtalar joint are an uncommon pathology with a variable incidence, being mainly reported as a finding in chronic ankle pain studies and with already visible degenerative joint changes at time of diagnosis. Clinical suspicion and directed imaging study, allows to investigate these lesions during early stages, thus avoiding the use of invasive techniques with scarce joint preservation. Subtalar arthroscopy is an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the resolution of these lesions. Given the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the joint, in the early stages the management by synovectomy and microfractures is an alternative with excellent functional results. This study includes two cases of osteochondral lesions of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint managed through arthroscopically synovectomy and microfractures and their subsequent evolution.

High-Grade Patellar Chondral Defects: Promising Results From Management With Osteochondral Autografts.

BACKGROUND: Patellar chondral defects represent up to 34.6% of defects found during routine arthroscopy. Surgical management has evolved during the past 20 years in an effort to develop techniques to replace hyaline cartilage. Currently, the only technique that achieves this is osteochondral autologous transfer (OAT). Although good and excellent results have often been reported at midterm and long-term follow-up for femoral lesions, little is known about isolated patellar defects. PURPOSE: To assess clinical and imaging results of patients treated with OAT for high-grade patellar defects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on all patients who received OAT for high-grade symptomatic patellar chondral defects between 2010 and 2018 at our institution. The study included patients younger than 40 years of age with anterior knee pain and a grade 4 International Cartilage Repair Society patellar chondral defect between 1 and 2.5 cm2. Patients with surgery in other knee compartments, concomitant anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative lesions were excluded. Six months postoperatively, all patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow assessment of graft integrity via the MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) score to evaluate morphologic features and integration. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Kujala scores were used to assess functional outcomes at final follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients who received a patellar OAT were included. Most patients were male (88.4%), and the mean ± SD age was 28.5 ± 9.7 years. Patellar chondral defects had a median size of 180 mm2 (range, 64-250 mm2), and patients received a median of 1 autograft (range, 1-3). Functional outcomes assessed at a minimum of 1 year after surgery showed a mean Kujala score of 90.42 ± 6.7 and a mean WOMAC score of 95 ± 3.6. MRI revealed a median MOCART score of 75 points (range, 20-90 points). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest series to date regarding isolated patellar OAT. At midterm follow-up, most patients reported good and excellent results regarding symptoms and activity levels. Most autografts showed good osseous integration and excellent filling of the chondral surface, as evidenced on MRI. OAT is a good alternative to treat high-grade patellar chondral defects, especially among young patients.

Protocol for Harvest, Transport and Storage of Human Osteochondral Tissue.

Objective To elaborate a protocol for the harvest, transport, and preservation of human osteochondral tissue for use in tissue banks (TBs). Methods Osteochondral fragments measuring 2 cm 3 of 5 corpse donors aged between 15 and 45 years old were analyzed. The samples were stored in cell preservation medium containing: human albumin, Iscove's and vancomycin preserved at 4°C. The concentration of proteoglycans in the extracellular medium was quantified by the use of Safranin-O, while tissue structural analysis was assessed by histological study with hematoxylin-eosin stained slides. The images obtained were analyzed according to the histological scores of Mankin and the score proposed by the OsteoArthritis Research Society International. The samples were analyzed with 0, 15, 30 and 45 days of preservation. Results The osteochondral fragments studied showed a progressive decrease in proteoglycan concentration with increased preservation time. After 30 days of preservation, structural changes were identified with discontinuity of the cartilage surface layer. According to the results obtained by the Mankin score, there was a statistically significant difference between 15 and 30 days of tissue preservation. Conclusion The protocol described defined knee transport immersed in Lactated Ringer at a controlled temperature of 10° C until its arrival at the TB. After processing, the preservation solution was composed of Iscove's serum-free cell culture medium supplemented with 10% human albumin and 100 µg/ml vancomycin. The tissue was preserved at a temperature of 4°C until the moment of transplantation characterizing the fresh preservation.