Utility of Bioabsorbable Fixation of Osteochondral Lesions in the Adolescent Knee: Outcomes Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the knee, whether occurring secondary to osteochondritis dissecans or a traumatic osteochondral fracture, are commonly encountered in the pediatric and adolescent population. Given the potential for healing in this population, coupled with adequate surgical reduction and stability of OCL fixation, an opportunity exists to avoid a major restorative procedure and the associated substantial costs and potential morbidity. PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes of bioabsorbable fixation of OCLs in the adolescent knee at a minimum of 2 years. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was performed of patients younger than 18 years who underwent bioabsorbable fixation of an OCL of the knee with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative clinical findings were detailed and recorded. All cases were performed by a single surgeon. RESULTS: There were 38 patients treated surgically for an OCL between 2009 and 2016. Of these, 38 patients (mean age, 14.7 years) were evaluated at a mean of 59 months. OCL fixation consisted of a mean of 1.4 bioabsorbable screws and 1.5 darts. At final follow-up, mean pre- and postoperative Tegner scores were 6.6 and 6.4, respectively, while Lysholm and Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 89.8 and 88.1, respectively. A total of 6 patients underwent secondary procedures postoperatively. One patient required a secondary procedure related to OCL fixation, which was secondary to a proud implant. The other secondary procedures included second-look arthroscopic surgery for pain after an injury postoperatively, planned anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, staged medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, and manipulation under anesthesia for arthrofibrosis (n = 2). None of the 32 patients required a revision cartilage procedure at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of bioabsorbable implants in the adolescent knee appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment with good functional outcomes at long-term follow-up and a low revision rate. Additional long-term multisurgeon and multicenter trials with a larger cohort are needed to further elucidate the role of bioabsorbable fixation of an OCL in the adolescent knee.