Autologous Dual-Tissue Transplantation for Osteochondral Repair: Early Clinical and Radiological Results

BACKGROUND: Numerous treatment methods for osteochondral repair have been implemented, including auto- and allogeneic osteochondral transplantations, combined bone and chondrocyte transplantations, and synthetic implants, but no gold standard treatment has been established. We present preliminary data on a combined autologous bone and cartilage chips: autologous dual-tissue transplantation (ADTT); an easily applicable, low-cost treatment option for osteochondral repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the early biological and clinical outcome of ADTT. MATERIALS: Eight patients (age 32 ± 7.5 years) suffering from osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the knee were enrolled. The OCD lesion was debrided and the osteochondral defect was filled with autologous bone, to a level at the base of the adjacent cartilage. Cartilage biopsies from the intercondylar notch were chipped and embedded within fibrin glue in the defect. Evaluation was performed using magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and clinical scores, preoperative and 1 year postoperative. RESULTS: Cartilage tissue repair evaluated using MOCART score improved from 22.5 to 52.5 (P < 0.01). Computed tomography imaging demonstrated very good subchondral bone healing with all 8 patients having a bone filling of >80%. We found improvements 1 year postoperative in the International Knee Documentation Committee score (from 35.9 to 68.1, P < 0.01), Tegner score (from 2.6 to 4.7, P < 0.05), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain, symptoms, sport/recreation and quality of life (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment of OCD with ADTT resulted in very good subchondral bone restoration and good cartilage repair. Significant improvements in patient reported outcome was found at 1 year postoperative. This study suggests ADTT as a promising, low-cost, treatment option for osteochondral injuries.