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Osteochondral allograft seen as effective treatment for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee
Patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee who underwent osteochondral allograft experienced a low rate of graft failure, significant improvement in pain and function scores and high patient satisfaction, according to results.
Among 135 patients (75.8% were men) who underwent osteochondral allograft for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee between 1997 and 2013, researchers collected frequency and type of reoperations; modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel (18-point) scale scores; IKDC pain, function and total scores; and Knee Society function and knee scores. Patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Researchers defined clinical failure as revision osteochondral allograft or conversion to arthroplasty, and researchers also determined graft survivorship.
Results showed 23% of knees underwent reoperation, of which 8% were classified as allograft failures. Researchers found osteochondral allograft survivorship was 95% at 5 years and 93% at 10 years. At the latest follow-up, 137 knees that had grafts still in situ had a mean modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score of 16.8. Researchers also noted an IKDC pain score of 2.1, an IKDC function score of 8.1 and an IKDC total score of 82.3 for knees with grafts still in situ, as well as a Knee Society function score of 95.7 and a Knee Society knee score of 94.3. Overall, results showed 95% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of their procedure. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Sadr reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.