RESEARCH & ARTICLES

Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Fractures of the Knee

Purpose: To determine functional outcomes and osteochondral allograft (OCA) survivorship in patients that received an OCA transplantation as a salvage treatment for knee fracture.

Summary:

  • Knee fracture patients are difficult to treat because of their potential for complications and further surgeries
  • 39 patients received an OCA transplantation due to fractures in the tibial plateau (29), femoral condyle (6) and patella (4)
  • 49% of patients had further surgery and 26% were considered OCA failures
  • At 5 years, survivorship was 82.6%; at 10 years it was 69.6%
  • Patients evaluated with a graft in situ at follow-up had significant improvement in pain and function

JRF Ortho Take Away: Although the reoperation rate is high, treating osteochondral lesions associated with knee fractures with an OCA can be a successful salvage treatment option.

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Authors: Guilherme C. Gracitelli, Luis Eduardo Passarelli Tirico, Julie C. McCauley, Pamela A. Pulido, William D. Bugbee

Published: Cartilage. 2017 Apr;8(2):155-161.

Institution: Scripps Clinic