Autologous Dual Tissue Transplantation for Osteochondral repair
- One Year Clinical and Radiological Follow-Up
Bjørn B Christensen1, CB Foldager1, M Lind2
1
Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Nørrebrogade 44, bygn. 1A, 1. Sal, Aarhus University Hospital,
Denmark, bjornbc@gmail.com, tlf.: 22449180
2
Division of Sports trauma, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
Background
Articular cartilage has a very limited potential for spontaneous regeneration, due to the avascular
nature of the tissue. Numerous treatment methods have been implemented, among them
microfracture, ACI and mosaicplasty, but no Gold standard treatment has been established.
We propose Autologous Dual-Tissue Transplantation (ADTT): An easily applicable, low cost
treatment option for articular cartilage repair.
Materials
Eight patients (age 33 years, range: 24-45) suffering from osteochondral defects of the medial
femoral condyle were enrolled. The injury area was debrided and the osteochondral defect was
filled with autologous bone from the tibial tuberosity, to the level of the adjacent cartilage. Cartilage
biopsies from the intercondylar notch, was chipped, and the cartilage chips were embedded in fibrin
glue in the defect. The stability of the treatment was tested with 40 full range motions, and the
incision was closed. The patients were evaluated pre-operatively and one year post-operatively
using MRI, CT, and clinical scores (KOOS, IKDC and Tegner)
Results
A significant improvement was found in the IKDC score (from 40,2 – 67,5, p=0,02), the Tegner
score (2,8 – 4,6, p=0,01) and KOOS pain, symptoms, sport/rec and quality of life. The MOCART
MRI score improved from 30 to 62,5 (p=0,0003). CT imaging showed very good defect filling, with
an uneven bone surface.
Conclusion
Treatment of osteochondral injuries in the knee with ADTT resulted in significant clinical and
radiological improvements at one year. Despite the limited number of patients and the short-term
follow-up, this study highlights ADTT as a promising treatment option for osteochondral injuries.