Save the subchondral bone plate: Debridement versus bone marrow stimulation in acetabular cartilage defects over 60 months of follow-up.

PURPOSE: Bone marrow stimulation is a common treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects in the hip joint. However, common procedures may result in poor fibrous repair tissue and changes to the subchondral anatomy. This study investigated the clinical outcome of a cohort of International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades 3 and 4 cartilage defects treated with bone marrow stimulation compared to those who received simple debridement/chondroplasty. METHODS: In this retrospective registry study, 236 patients with uni-focal acetabular chondral lesions of the hip up to 400 mm² (mean 177.4 ± 113.4 mm²) and of ICRS grade ≥3 with follow-up of at least 12 months (mean 33.2 ± 15.3 months) were included. Eighty-one patients underwent bone marrow stimulation (microfracture: n = 44, abrasion: n = 37) besides treatment of the underlying pathology, 155 patients underwent defect debridement/chondroplasty. The patient-reported outcome was measured using the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT33) score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. RESULTS: iHOT33 and VAS both improved highly statistically significantly (p < 0.001) in the debridement group after 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months compared to the preoperative scores, whereas iHOT33 and VAS after microfracture or abrasion did not show statistically significant changes over time. Twenty-four and sixty months postsurgery the debridement group revealed significant higher scores in the iHOT33 compared to the bone marrow stimulation groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with chondral lesions of the hip ≤400 mm2 sustainably benefit from arthroscopic debridement under preservation of the subchondral bone plate in terms of functional outcome and pain in contrast to patients treated with bone marrow stimulation. These findings discourage the currently recommended use of microfracture in the hip joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Surgical treatment for medium-sized cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus: Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation provides better clinical outcomes than bone marrow stimulation when cysts are deeper than 6 mm.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation versus bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for medium-sized (100-150 mm2) cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and assess the correlation between patient demographics and outcomes. It was hypothesised that autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation would provide better clinical outcomes than BMS for medium-sized cystic OLTs. METHODS: Patients who underwent autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation or BMS for medium-sized cystic OLTs between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. According to their characteristics, a 1:1 propensity-score matching was performed and 33 pairs of patients were matched. The visual analogue scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Ankle Activity Score were collected preoperatively and at the last follow-up. In addition, a general linear model analysis was performed between patient demographics and clinical outcomes in two groups separately to detect potential risk factors. RESULTS: Finally, 28 patients in the grafted group and 27 patients in the BMS group completed the follow-up and were enrolled with a mean follow-up period of 63.5 ± 13.9 months. Both groups showed significant improvement in all patient-reported outcomes (p < 0.01). At the final follow-up, no significant differences between groups were found in all postoperative scores except FAOS Pain (p = 0.02). Correlation analysis showed a moderate correlation between cyst depth and the postoperative AOFAS score in the BMS group (r = -0.48, p = 0.01). Based on the regression line, the patients in the BMS group with a cyst deeper than 6 mm showed a lower AOFAS score than the mean score (88.7 ± 9.5) of the grafted group. CONCLUSION: Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation and BMS are both safe and effective for medium-sized cystic OLTs. However, autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation is expected to provide better clinical outcomes than BMS when the cysts are deeper than 6 mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Drop in survivorship 13 years after AMIC procedures in aligned knees: A long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) showed promising short-term results comparable to microfracture. This study aims to assess the 19-year outcomes of AMIC, addressing the lack of long-term data. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 34 knees treated with AMIC underwent a 19-year follow-up. The primary outcome was AMIC survival, considering total knee arthroplasty as a failure event. Survival analysis for factors that were associated with longer survival of the AMIC was also performed. Clinical and radiological outcome scores were analysed for the AMIC group. RESULTS: Twenty-three knees were available for follow-up analysis. Of these, 14 (61%) underwent revision surgery for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The mean time was 13.3 ± 2.5 years (range: 9-17 years). Secondary outcomes showed that increased age at surgery (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05; p = 0.021) and larger defect size (HR: 1.95; p = 0.018) were risk factors for failure. Concomitant proximal tibial osteotomy (HR: 0.22; p = 0.019) was associated with longer survival. The remaining nine knees (39%) were analysed as a single group. The mean clinical score at follow-up of 18.6 ± 0.9 SD years was 79.5 ± 19.7 SD for the Lysholm score, 1.8 ± 1.5 SD for the visual analog scale score, 74.2 ± 22.4 SD for the KOOS score and a median of 3 (range: 3-4) for the Tegner activity scale. CONCLUSIONS: The mean survival time of 13.3 years indicates the durability of AMIC in properly aligned knees. Nonetheless, despite a 61% conversion to TKA, the knees that persisted until the 19-year follow-up remained stable, underscoring the procedure's longevity and consistent clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema negatively influences short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the effects of the severity of preoperative bone marrow oedema (BME) on the postoperative short-term outcomes following bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and to propose a new metric that combines volume and signal density to evaluate BME. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with symptomatic OLTs (<100 mm2) and preoperative BME, who received BMS in our institution from April 2017 to July 2021 with follow-ups of 3, 6 and 12 months, were analysed retrospectively. The area, volume and signal value of the BME were collected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The enroled patients were divided into two groups according to the BME index (BMEI), which was defined as the product of oedema relative signal intensity and the relation of oedema volume to total talar volume. Visual analogue scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Tegner, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-activities of daily living (ADL) and Sports scores were assessed before surgery and at each follow-up. The relationship between the scores and the volume, relative signal intensity and BMEI was explored. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with preoperative BME were divided into the mild (n = 33) and severe (n = 32) groups based on the BMEI. A significant difference was found for each score with the general linear model for repeated measures through all follow-up time points (p < 0.001). For the preoperative and 12-month postoperative changes of the enroled patients, 53 patients (81.5%) exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of AOFAS and 26 (40.0%) exceeded that of FAAM-sports in this study. The mild group showed significantly more improvement in AOFAS scores at 12 months (89.6 ± 7.0 vs. 86.2 ± 6.2) and FAAM-ADL scores at 6 months (83.6 ± 7.6 vs. 79.7 ± 7.7) and 12 months (88.5 ± 8.5 vs. 84.4 ± 7.7) than the severe group (p < 0.05). No significant difference of all the scores between the groups was found at 3 months. No significant correlation was found in each group between BMEI and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The severity of the preoperative BME negatively affected short-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS for OLTs. Worse clinical outcomes were shown at postoperative 6 and 12 months in patients with a high preoperative BMEI, which could be a favourable parameter for assessing the severity of BME and assist in developing personalised rehabilitation plans and determining the approach and timing of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The impact of bone marrow stimulation on arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for small to large rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow stimulation (BMS), a procedure involving the creation of multiple channels in the greater tuberosity, is often performed alongside arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). This study evaluated the effect of BMS on clinical and structural outcomes following ARCR. METHOD: This study involved 204 patients with small, medium, and large full-thickness rotator cuff tears. In all, 103 patients who underwent BMS and ARCR made up the BMS group, while the 101 patients who only had ARCR made up the control group with randomization. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed before and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery, using parameters such as range of motion, functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant score), and clinical scores (Visual Analogue Scale). Tendon integrity was also examined postoperatively via ultrasound at 6 months and 2 years. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning range of motion, functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and Constant score), and clinical score (Visual Analogue Scale) during the 2-year postsurgery period (all P > .05). Similarly, the rotator cuff retear rate, as assessed using ultrasonographic tendon integrity checks over 2 years postsurgery, did not significantly vary between the groups (all P > .05). CONCLUSION: There were no significant disparities in functional scores and clinical outcomes between the BMS and control groups. Further, no significant differences were observed in tendon integrity postsurgery. Therefore, the inclusion or exclusion of BMS is not anticipated to influence the postoperative outcome in ARCR for patients with small, medium, or large rotator cuff tears.

Bone channeling in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of level I studies.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing controversy regarding the effect of bone channeling in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Since the most recent systematic reviews in 2019, several large high-level trials have been completed. This study assessed all available level I randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without bone marrow channeling. METHODS: A systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted through mid January 2023. Two reviewers performed screening of studies meeting the eligibility criteria: English-language RCTs in patients aged ≥18 years comparing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of full-thickness tears with and without bone marrow channeling (channeling group and control group, respectively). Functional scores, pain, healing rates, and reoperations were reviewed using pooled analysis where appropriate. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: A total of 6 randomized studies (N = 593) met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis of all 6 studies showed no significant mean difference in function (1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.63 to 3.26), as measured by the Constant-Murley score. Retear rates were also not statistically different between groups (risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.71), with pooled retear rates of 19.6% (48 of 245) with channeling and 19.8% (51 of 257) without. The other outcomes of interest were only available for analysis in a subset of studies. There were no standardized mean differences in pain (0.09; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0.36), and there were similar reoperation rates (risk ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.43 to 3.34) in the channeling and control groups. For the included studies, the overall quality of evidence by outcome was judged to be moderate (function, pain, and reoperations) or low (retear rates), mainly owing to risk of bias (all outcomes) and inconsistency (retear rates). CONCLUSION: The results of this study refute the findings of prior systematic reviews that showed that channeling reduces the retear rate when combined with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This meta-analysis of level I evidence, including recent larger RCTs, demonstrates that bone marrow stimulation in the setting of primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has no significant effect on functional outcomes, healing, pain, or reoperation rates.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of combined arthroscopic microfracture and mesenchymal stem cell injection versus isolated microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus: A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

We aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes reported in comparative studies evaluating combined arthroscopic microfracture and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injection versus isolated microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). A total of 5 studies were included. Demographics, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Tegner activity scale score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue Score (MOCART) were analyzed. A total of 348 patients were evaluated, 171 of whom underwent combined microfracture and MSC injection and 177 of whom underwent isolated microfracture. The frequency-weighted mean ages were 38.9 ± 13.5 and 36.9 ± 11.4 years and the mean follow-up were 36.7 ± 13.3 and 36.2 ± 16.2 months in the combined microfracture and MSC injection and isolated microfracture groups, respectively. The combined microfracture and MSC injection group showed significantly better postoperative AOFAS score (81.5 ± 7.4 vs 68.2 ± 5.1, P<0.001), and MOCART score (74.3 ± 16.3 vs 63.9 ± 15.5, P<0.001) with differences beyond the minimum clinically important difference. The combination of arthroscopic microfracture and MSC injection significantly improved functionality and radiological outcomes compared to those of isolated microfracture for OLT.

A network meta-analysis of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

OBJECTIVE: Rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that often leads to serious limitations in daily life. Herein, a network Meta-analysis using frequency theory was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of five rotator cuff repair techniques, including single-row repair, double-row repair, suture bridge repair, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and bone marrow stimulation, thus guiding clinical decision-making on rotator cuff repair. METHODS: PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing rotator cuff repair techniques published from inception to May 2022. Combined analysis and quality assessment were performed using software STATA15.1 and Review Manager5.3. RESULTS: A total of 51 articles were finally included, including 27 randomized controlled trials and 24 cohort studies. Results from the network Meta-analysis showed that: (1) In terms of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, platelet-rich plasma therapy, double-row repair, bone marrow stimulation, and single-row repair were significantly better than suture bridge repair. (2) In terms of Constant score, bone marrow stimulation was significantly better than double-row repair, single-row repair, and suture bridge repair. (3) In terms of visual analog scale score, platelet-rich plasma therapy was significantly better than double-row repair and suture bridge repair. (4) In terms of the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California at Los Angeles score, platelet-rich plasma therapy and double-row repair were relatively better but not significantly different from the other treatments. (5) In terms of the risk of re-tear, the re-tear rate of platelet-rich plasma therapy and double-row repair was significantly lower than that of single-row repair and suture bridge repair. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of network Meta-analysis and surface under the cumulative ranking, platelet-rich plasma therapy, bone marrow stimulation, and double-row repair have good overall rehabilitation effects. It is recommended to choose appropriate repair techniques as per the actual clinical situation.

Efficacy of bone marrow stimulation for arthroscopic knotless suture bridge rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of bone marrow stimulation (BMS) on the repair integrity of the rotator cuff insertion treated with arthroscopic knotless suture bridge (K-SB) rotator cuff repair. We hypothesized that BMS during K-SB repair can improve the healing of the rotator cuff insertion. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent arthroscopic K-SB repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups. Patients in the BMS group underwent K-SB repair augmented with BMS at the footprint. Patients in the control group underwent K-SB repair without BMS. Cuff integrity and retear patterns were evaluated by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The clinical outcomes included the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Constant-Murley score, and Simple Shoulder Test. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological evaluations were completed in 60 patients at 6 months postoperatively, in 58 patients at 1 year postoperatively, and in 50 patients at 2 years postoperatively. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in the clinical outcome from baseline to the 2-year follow-up, but no significant differences were found between the 2 groups. At 6 months postoperatively, the retear rate at the tendon insertion was 0.0% (0 of 30) in the BMS group and 3.3% (1 of 30) in the control group (P = .313). The retear rate at the musculotendinous junction was 26.7% (8 of 30) in the BMS group and 13.3% (4 of 30) in the control group (P = .197). All retears in the BMS group occurred at the musculotendinous junction, and the tendon insertion was preserved. There was no significant difference in the overall retear rate or retear patterns between the 2 treatment groups during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were detected in the structural integrity or retear patterns regardless of the use of BMS. The efficacy of BMS for arthroscopic K-SB rotator cuff repair was not proven in this randomized controlled trial.

Gender Differences May Exist in the Presentation, Mechanism of Injury and Outcomes Following Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is indicated for patients who have symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). Despite differences in ankle biomechanics and cartilage morphology between men and women, there is scant evidence examining whether these differences affect surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes in men and women following BMS for OLTs. A retrospective analysis comparing female and male patients treated with BMS for OLT between 2007 and 2015 was performed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) and Short-Form 12 (SF-12). Magnetic resonance imaging at final follow-up was evaluated with the modified magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score. Thirty-one females and 38 males were included. In female patients, the mean FAOS pain score improved from 60 ± 16 preoperatively to 84 ± 8.9 at 1- to 2-year follow-up (p < .01), and then decreased to 80±13 at final follow-up at 3-4 years. In male patients, the mean FAOS pain score improved from 65±17 preoperatively to 83±9.2 at 1-2 year follow-up (p < .01), and then decreased to 76±14.6 at final follow-up at 3-4 years. Lateral lesions were more common in male patients. Medial lesions were more common in female patients. The outcomes following BMS in both female and male patients were good with no significant differences at short-term follow-up. FAOS scores in male patients were more likely to decrease after 1 to 2 years postsurgery, implying a possibly faster decline than in female patients.

Factors correlating with patients' satisfaction after undergoing cartilage repair surgery-data from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU).

Subjective patient satisfaction is the most relevant parameter for assessing the success of treatment after orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to correlate patient-reported outcome parameters (i.e., absolute KOOS, KOOS increase) and revision-free survival with patient's satisfaction. Furthermore, the study aimed on the identification of pre-operative factors that are associated with patient's satisfaction after the surgery.For the present study, 6305 consecutive patients from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) were analyzed. Patient characteristics and outcome were correlated with patients' satisfaction after a follow-up of three years by Spearman correlation. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Mean age was 37 ± 12.5 years, 59.7% patients were male, and 40.3% female. Most patients (46.7%) were treated with an autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The strongest correlation of subjective satisfaction and the subscore quality of life (r = 0.682; p < 0.001) was found, whereas the post-operative increase in KOOS from the pre-operative value showed only a moderate correlation (r = 0.520; p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation with the absolute KOOS value (r = 0.678; p < 0.001), the subscores pain (r = 0.652; p < 0.001), quality of life (r = 0.682; p < 0.001), and sports (r = 0.633; p < 0.001), whereas symptoms (r = 0.504, p < 0.001) and activities of daily life (r = 0.601; p < 0.001) showed a weaker correlation. Pain also correlated highly significant with the patient satisfaction 24 months after surgery (r = - 0.651, p < 0.001). The correlation between satisfaction after the 2nd and 3rd year (r = 0.727; p < 0.001) is stronger than correlation after six months and three years (r = 0.422, p < 0.001). All pre-operative parameters show a very weak correlation (r < 0.1).The use of standardized measuring instruments (KOOS and Pain) is a relevant outcome parameter in science and clinical practice, whereas absolute values represent satisfaction better than the individual increase. The subscores "pain," "quality of life," and "sports" represent satisfaction better than the subscores "symptoms" and "activity of daily life." Early satisfaction has only a moderate predictive value for satisfaction after 3 years, which is of great practical relevance in particular for the assessment of potential treatment failures. It is remarkable to note that a revision surgery is only very mildly associated with increased dissatisfaction. Pre-operative factors are not reliable prediction factors for post-operative patient satisfaction.

Satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes after bone marrow stimulation of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) at long-term follow-up. METHODS: A literature search was conducted from the earliest record until March 2021 to identify studies published using the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane Library databases. Clinical studies reporting on arthroscopic BMS for OLTs at a minimum of 8-year follow-up were included. The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently conducted the article selection and conducted the quality assessment using the Methodological index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). The primary outcome was defined as clinical outcomes consisting of pain scores and patient-reported outcome measures. Secondary outcomes concerned the return to sport rate, reoperation rate, complication rate, and the rate of progression of degenerative changes within the tibiotalar joint as a measure of ankle osteoarthritis. Associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated based on the primary and secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 323 ankles (310 patients) were included at a mean pooled follow-up of 13.0 (9.5-13.9) years. The mean MINORS score of the included studies was 7.7 out of 16 points (range 6-9), indicating a low to moderate quality. The mean postoperative pooled American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 83.8 (95% CI 83.6-84.1). 78% (95% CI 69.5-86.8) participated in sports (at any level) at final follow-up. Return to preinjury level of sports was not reported. Reoperations were performed in 6.9% (95% CI 4.1-9.7) of ankles and complications related to the BMS procedure were observed in 2% (95% CI 0.4-3.0) of ankles. Progression of degenerative changes was observed in 28% (95% CI 22.3-33.2) of ankles. CONCLUSION: Long-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS can be considered satisfactory even though one in three patients show progression of degenerative changes from a radiological perspective. These findings indicate that OLTs treated with BMS may be at risk of progressing towards end-stage ankle osteoarthritis over time in light of the incremental cartilage damage cascade. The findings of this study can aid clinicians and patients with the shared decision-making process when considering the long-term outcomes of BMS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bone marrow stimulation for talar osteochondral lesions at long-term follow-up shows a high sports participation though a decrease in clinical outcomes over time.

PURPOSE: Although bone marrow stimulation (BMS) as a treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) shows high rates of sport resumption at short-term follow-up, it is unclear whether the sports activity is still possible at longer follow-up. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate sports activity after arthroscopic BMS at long-term follow-up. METHODS: Sixty patients included in a previously published randomized-controlled trial were analyzed in the present study. All patients had undergone arthroscopic debridement and BMS for OCLT. Return to sports, level, and type were assessed in the first year post-operative and at final follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were assessed by standardized questionnaires with use of numeric rating scales for pain and satisfaction and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 6.4 years (SD ± 1.1 years). The mean level of activity measured with the AAS was 6.2 pre-injury and 3.4 post-injury. It increased to 5.2 at 1 year after surgery and was 5.8 at final follow-up. At final follow-up, 54 patients (90%) participated in 16 different sports. Thirty-three patients (53%) indicated they returned to play sport at their pre-injury level. Twenty patients (33%) were not able to obtain their pre-injury level of sport because of ankle problems and eight other patients (13%) because of other reasons. Mean NRS for pain during rest was 2.7 pre-operative, 1.1 at 1 year, and 1.0 at final follow-up. Mean NRS during activity changed from 7.9 to 3.7 to 4.4, respectively. The FAOS scores improved at 1 year follow-up, but all subscores significantly decreased at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up (mean 6.4 years) after BMS for OCLT, 90% of patients still participate in sports activities, of whom 53% at pre-injury level. The AAS of the patients participating in sports remains similar pre-injury and post-operatively at final follow-up. A decrease over time in clinical outcomes was, however, seen when the follow-up scores at 1 year post-operatively were compared with the final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Effect of kartogenin-loaded gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel scaffold with bone marrow stimulation for enthesis healing in rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Strategies involving microfracture, biomaterials, growth factors, and chemical agents have been evaluated for improving enthesis healing. Kartogenin (KGN) promotes selective differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into chondrocytes. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a promising biomaterial for engineering scaffolds and drug carriers. Herein, we investigated KGN-loaded GelMA hydrogel scaffolds with a bone marrow-stimulating technique for the repair of rotator cuff tear. METHODS: KGN-loaded GelMA hydrogel scaffolds were obtained by ultraviolet GelMA crosslinking and vacuum freeze-drying. Fifty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into (1) repair only (control), (2) microfracture + repair (BMS), and (3) microfracture + repair augmentation with a KGN-loaded GelMA hydrogel scaffold (combined) groups. Tendons were repaired by transosseous sutures. The structure, degradation, and in vitro KGN release of the scaffolds were characterized. Animals were euthanized 4, 8, and 12 weeks after repair. Enthesis healing was evaluated by macroscopy, microcomputed tomography, histology, and biomechanical tests. RESULTS: The KGN-loaded GelMA hydrogel scaffolds are porous with a 60.4 ± 28.2-µm average pore size, and they degrade quickly in 2.5 units/mL collagenase solution. Nearly 81% of KGN was released into phosphate-buffered saline within 12 hours, whereas the remaining KGN was released in 7 days. Macroscopically, the repaired tendons were attached to the footprint. No differences were detected postoperatively in microcomputed tomography analysis among groups. Fibrous scar tissue was the main component at the tendon-to-bone interface in the control group. Disorderly arranged cartilage formation was observed at the tendon-to-bone interface in the BMS and combined groups 4 weeks after repair; the combined group exhibited relatively more cartilage. The combined group showed improved cartilage regeneration 8 and 12 weeks after repair. Similar results were found in tendon maturation scores. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the repaired tendon increased in all 3 groups. At 4 weeks after repair, the BMS and combined groups exhibited greater ultimate load to failure than the control group, although there was no difference in stiffness among groups. The BMS and combined groups exhibited greater ultimate load to failure and stiffness than the control group, and the combined group exhibited better values than the BMS group at 8 and 12 weeks after repair. CONCLUSION: Compared with the bone marrow-stimulating technique, the KGN-loaded GelMA hydrogel scaffold with bone marrow stimulation improved enthesis healing by promoting fibrocartilage formation and improving the mechanical properties.

Stable clinical long term results after AMIC in the aligned knee.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report a long-term follow-up of patients treated with autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for full-thickness chondral and osteochondral defects of the femoral condyle or patella combined with the correction of lower limb malalignment or patellar tracking if indicated. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (thirty-four knees) were treated surgically for chondral and osteochondral cartilage defects of the knee joint. Regarding the origin of the lesion, patients were divided into three groups. Chondral lesions were observed in the patella (cP group) in fifteen patients, whereas eight patients demonstrated a femoral condylar location (cF group). Eleven patients presented with osteochondritis dissecans of the femur (ocF group). Associated procedures involving realignment of the patella, osteotomy around the knee, or cancellous bone grafting were performed when necessary. The mean size of the lesions was 2.8 ± 1.6 cm2, and the mean patient age was 37.1 ± 11.9 years. To evaluate the clinical outcomes, the Lysholm score and the VAS pain score were imposed, as well as the reoperation rate. RESULTS: After an average of 9.3 ± 1 years, follow-up was completed in 79% of the patients. Two patients from the cohort received a total knee prosthesis. The primary outcome measures (Lysolm and VAS pain) at 9-year follow-up were 85 ± 13 for the Lysholm score and 1.9 ± 1.6 for the VAS score in the entire analyzed population. Compared to the preoperative values (Lysholm 56 ± 19, VAS 5.8 ± 2.4) and the 2-year results (Lysholm 85 ± 16, VAS 2.0 ± 2.1), there was significant improvement in the first 2 years after intervention and a stable course in the long-term observation. The same was observed in the cP and ocF subgroups, whereas patients of the cF group showed even further improvement. CONCLUSIONS: AMIC showed durable results in aligned knees. The favorable outcome was maintained after an average of 9 years when malalignment of the lower limb and patellar maltracking were corrected. Such data are particularly encouraging for young adult patients who may benefit from a procedure that circumvents early arthroplasty.

High reported rate of return to play following bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature and to evaluate the reported rehabilitation protocols, return to play guidelines and subsequent rates and timing of return to play following bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the PRISMA guidelines in September 2017. The rate and timing of return to play was assessed. The rehabilitation protocols were recorded, including time to start range of motion, partial weight-bearing and complete weight-bearing. RESULTS: Fifty-seven studies with 3072 ankles were included, with a mean age of 36.9 years (range 23-56.8 years), and a mean follow-up of 46.0 months (range 1.5-141 months). The mean rate of return to play was 86.8% (range 60-100%), and the mean time to return to play was 4.5 months (range 3.5-5.9 months). There was large variability in the reported rehabilitation protocols. Range of motion exercises were most often allowed to begin in the first week (46.2%), and second week postoperatively (23.1%). The most commonly reported time to start partial weight-bearing was the first week (38.8%), and the most frequently reported time of commencing full weight-bearing was 6 weeks (28.8%). Surgeons most often allowed return to play at 4 months (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high rate of return following BMS for OLT with 86.8% and the mean time to return to play was 4.5 months. There is also a significant deficiency in reported rehabilitation protocols, and poor quality reporting in return to play criteria. Early weightbearing and early postoperative range of motion exercises appear to be advantageous in accelerated return to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bone marrow stimulation decreases retear rates after primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the optimization of biomechanical and patient factors in the setting of rotator cuff repair (RCR), postoperative retear rates remain high in many series reported in the literature. Preclinical studies have suggested bone marrow stimulation (BMS) at the rotator cuff footprint may reduce the rate of retear after RCR. The objective of this meta-analysis was to analyze the clinical evidence investigating the effect of arthroscopic RCR, with and without BMS, on rotator cuff healing and functional outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 2017. Two reviewers selected studies based on the inclusion criteria and assessed methodologic quality. Pooled analyses were performed for continuous and binomial variables where appropriate. RESULTS: Four studies (365 patients), including 2 Level I randomized controlled trials and 2 Level III retrospective comparative cohort studies were included. There was no statistical difference in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale score, or the Constant score between the BMS and conventional repair groups. The pooled retear rates were 18.4% (28 of 152) and 31.8% (56 of 176) for patients treated with and without BMS, respectively. The pooled analysis of rotator cuff retear rates from the 4 studies (328 patients) showed a statistically significant difference favoring BMS over conventional repair (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.73; P = .002; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: BMS reduces the retear rate after RCR but shows no difference in functional outcomes compared with conventional repair. This study provides evidence for the use of BMS as a potential cost-effective biological approach toward improving rotator cuff healing.

A prospective evaluation of bone marrow aspirate concentrate and microfracture in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: The term osteochondral lesion (OCL) refers to a defect involving the chondral surface and or subchondral bone. These lesions are associated with ankle injuries with bony and soft tissue and cause pain, decreased range of motion, swelling and impact adversely on quality of life. To date the standard treatment has been isolated microfracture (BMS). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of BMS alone to BMS augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in the treatment of ankle OCLs. METHODS: This study was a prospective cohort study carried out from 2010-2015 in a single surgeon's practice. Patients from 2010-2012 were treated with microfracture alone while patients from 2013-2015 were treated with micro fracture augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate and fibrin glue. Self-reported patient outcome measures were measured. Complications, revision rates, and visual analogue pain scores were compared. RESULTS: 101 patients were included in the study. 52 patients were in the microfracture group while 49 patients were in the microfracture/BMAC group. The minimum follow-up for both groups was 36 months. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in pain scores, quality of life scores, participation in sport and activities of daily living. The revision rate was 28.8% in the microfracture group versus 12.2% in the microfracture/BMAC group, which was statistically significant, p=0.0145. The majority of the lesions were less than 1.5cm2 in diameter in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Microfracture and bone marrow aspirate concentrate appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for osteochondral lesions of the talus. The addition of bone marrow aspirate concentrate does not result in any increase in ankle or donor site morbidity. It is a well-tolerated therapy which decreases revision rates for treatment of the osteochondral lesions when compared to microfracture alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Emerging Concepts in Treating Cartilage, Osteochondral Defects, and Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Ankle.

The management and treatment of cartilage lesions, osteochondral defects, and osteoarthritis remain a challenge in orthopedics. Moreover, these entities have different behaviors in different joints, such as the knee and the ankle, which have inherent differences in function, biology, and biomechanics. There has been a huge development on the conservative treatment (new technologies including orthobiologics) as well as on the surgical approach. Some surgical development upraises from technical improvements including advanced arthroscopic techniques but also from increased knowledge arriving from basic science research and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches. This work addresses the state of the art concerning basic science comparing the knee and ankle as well as current options for treatment. Furthermore, the most promising research developments promising new options for the future are discussed.

A multilayer biomaterial for osteochondral regeneration shows superiority vs microfractures for the treatment of osteochondral lesions in a multicentre randomized trial at 2 years.

PURPOSE: The increasing awareness on the role of subchondral bone in the etiopathology of articular surface lesions led to the development of osteochondral scaffolds. While safety and promising results have been suggested, there are no trials proving the real potential of the osteochondral regenerative approach. Aim was to assess the benefit provided by a nanostructured collagen-hydroxyapatite (coll-HA) multilayer scaffold for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral knee lesions. METHODS: In this multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial, 100 patients affected by symptomatic chondral and osteochondral lesions were treated and evaluated for up to 2 years (51 study group and 49 control group). A biomimetic coll-HA scaffold was studied, and bone marrow stimulation (BMS) was used as reference intervention. Primary efficacy measurement was IKDC subjective score at 2 years. Secondary efficacy measurements were: KOOS, IKDC Knee Examination Form, Tegner and VAS Pain scores evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months. Tissue regeneration was evaluated with MRI MOCART scoring system at 6, 12 and 24 months. An external independent agency was involved to ensure data correctness and objectiveness. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement of all clinical scores was obtained from basal evaluation to 2-year follow-up in both groups, although no overall statistically significant differences were detected between the two treatments. Conversely, the subgroup of patients affected by deep osteochondral lesions (i.e. Outerbridge grade IV and OCD) showed a statistically significant better IKDC subjective outcome (+12.4 points, p = 0.036) in the coll-HA group. Statistically significant better results were also found for another challenging group: sport active patients (+16.0, p = 0.027). Severe adverse events related to treatment were documented only in three patients in the coll-HA group and in one in the BMS group. The MOCART score showed no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the safety and potential of a biomimetic implant. While no statistically significant differences were found compared to BMS for chondral lesions, this procedure can be considered a suitable option for the treatment of osteochondral lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.