Arthroscopic classification of intra-articular hip pathology demonstrates at best moderate interrater reliability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report several novel classification systems for intra-articular lesions observed during hip arthroscopy, and to quantify the interrater reliability of both these novel systems and existing classifications of intra-articular lesions when tested by a group of high-volume hip arthroscopists. METHODS: Five hip arthroscopists deliberated over shortcomings in current classification systems and developed several novel grading systems with particular effort made to capture factors important to the treatment and outcomes of hip arthroscopy for labral injury. A video learning module describing the classifications was then developed from the video archive of surgeries performed by the senior author and reviewed by study participants. Following review of the module, a pilot study was completed using five randomly selected videos, after which participating surgeons met once more to discuss points of disagreement and to seek clarification. The final video collection for testing reliability was composed of 29 videos selected with the intent of capturing all sublevels of each classification scheme. Study participants recorded their assessments using each classification scheme, and interrater reliability was calculated by a study participant not involved in grading. RESULTS: The average kappa coefficients for the classification schemes ranged from 0.38 to 0.54, with the interrater reliability of all classification schemes except labral degeneration qualifying as moderate. The percent of cases with absolute agreement ranged from 17.2% to 51.7% across the classification systems. CONCLUSIONS: Even among a group of high-volume hip arthroscopists who engaged in several discussions about the proposed classification schemes, grades were found to have at best moderate interrater reliability. Moderate interrater reliability is demonstrated for novel grading systems for describing labral tear complexity, labral bruising, labral size, and extent of synovitis, and fair reliability is demonstrated for labral degeneration. Further development and refinement of multifactorial grading systems for describing labral injury are indicated. Evaluating the multifactorial nature of intra-articular lesions in the hip is an important part of intraoperative decision-making and defining reliable classifications for intra-articular lesions is a critical first step towards developing generalizable criteria for guiding treatment type. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Valor diagnóstico de las clasificaciones outerbridge e ICRS para la clasificación artroscópica de lesiones condrales de rodilla / Diagnostic value of outerbridge and ICRS classifications for arthroscopic grading of chondral lesions in the knee

OBJETIVOS: Determinar el rendimiento de las clasificaciones de Outerbridge (OB) e International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). MÉTODO: Estudio de test diagnóstico, diseño y recolección de datos prospectivo. Siete traumatólogos sub-especialistas observaron un mismo video donde se exponían 30 lesiones condrales bajo visión artroscópica, para luego clasificarlas según OB e ICRS y consignar el tratamiento de elección para cada una de las lesiones, eligiendo entre 6 alternativas: observación, debridamiento mecánico o térmico, microfractura, OATS o terapias biológicas. Tras 7 días, los evaluadores debían repetir el mismo procedimiento. RESULTADOS: La concordancia entre los observadores fue débil para clasificación de ICRS (k 0,25 p < 0,001) y moderada para la clasificación de OB (k 0,45 p < 0,001). La concordancia intra-observador para ICRS oscilaba entre moderada y excelente (k promedio de 0,67), y para la clasificación de OB entre buena y excelente (k promedio 0,83). Ninguna de las dos clasificaciones mostró correlación con la experiencia del cirujano. En la elección de tratamiento, la concordancia entre observadores fue débil (k 0,33 p < 0,001), sin embargo, la concordancia intra-observador fue en todos los casos buena o excelente (k 0,82), mostrando una correlación directamente proporcional a la experiencia del cirujano. La capacidad de discriminación terapéutica, evaluada mediante una regresión logística, mostró un área bajo la curva roc en el rango del no-efecto. CONCLUSIÓN: Ambas clasificaciones mostraron una baja correlación inter-observador y una elevada concordancia intra-observador. En ambas categorías, Outerbridge fue más concordante que ICRS. En cuanto al tratamiento, ninguna de las dos clasificaciones logra unificar criterios quirúrgicos. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Nivel I (test diagnóstico).

OBJECTIVES: Assess de diagnostic accuracy of Outerbridge (OB) and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) classifications. METHODS: We performed a diagnostic test study, with a prospective design and data collection. Seven knee surgeons were asked to observe a video were the 30 chondral lesions were shown through arthroscopic view. Simultaneously they were asked to classify them according to OB and ICRS. Besides, they had to define how they would manage the chondral lesion, choosing among six treatment options (observation, mechanical or thermic chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral autologous transfer system (OATS) or biological therapies). A week later, they repeated the same procedure. Intra and interobserver agreement were characterized by κ statistical analysis, and a logistic regression was used to assess the ability of both classifications to discriminate among treatment options. P values < 0,05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was weak (κ 0.25 p < 0.001) for ICRS classification and moderate for OB classification (κ 0.45 p < 0.001). Intraobserver agreement for ICRS ranged from moderate to excellent (average κ of 0.67), and for the OB classification ranged from good to excellent (average kappa 0.83). Neither classification correlated with the surgeon's experience. Interobserver agreement for therapeutic choice was poor (κ 0.33 p < 0.001). However, intraobserver agreement was good to excellent (κ 0.82) in all cases, showing a direct correlation with the surgeon's experience. Logistic regression used to assess the ability of both classifications to discriminate among treatment options, showed in both cases an area under the roc curve in the no-effect range. CONCLUSION: Both classifications showed low interobserver and high intraobserver agreements for arthroscopic grading of chondral lesions. In both, Outerbridge was more reliable than ICRS. As for guiding therapeutic management, none of the classifications could unify surgical criteria.

Classification, Categorization, and Algorithms for Articular Cartilage Defects.

There is a critical unmet need in the clinical implementation of valid preventative and therapeutic strategies for patients with articular cartilage pathology based on the significant gap in understanding of the relationships between diagnostic data, disease progression, patient-related variables, and symptoms. In this article, the current state of classification and categorization for articular cartilage pathology is discussed with particular focus on machine learning methods and the authors propose a bedside-bench-bedside approach with highly quantitative techniques as a solution to these hurdles. Leveraging computational learning with available data toward articular cartilage pathology patient phenotyping holds promise for clinical research and will likely be an important tool to identify translational solutions into evidence-based clinical applications to benefit patients. Recommendations for successful implementation of these approaches include using standardized definitions of articular cartilage, to include characterization of depth, size, location, and number; using measurements that minimize subjectivity or validated patient-reported outcome measures; considering not just the articular cartilage pathology but the whole joint, and the patient perception and perspective. Application of this approach through a multistep process by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists holds promise for validating disease mechanism-based phenotypes toward clinically relevant understanding of articular cartilage pathology for evidence-based application to orthopaedic practice.

Iatrogenic Articular Cartilage Injury in Arthroscopic Hip and Knee Videos and the Potential for Cartilage Cell Death When Simulated in a Bovine Model.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and characterize the severity of iatrogenic cartilage injuries. METHODS: Technique videos of arthroscopic femoral acetabular impingement procedures and meniscus repairs on VuMedi (n = 85) and Arthroscopy Techniques (n = 45) were reviewed and iatrogenic cartilage injuries were identified and graded (minor, intermediate, and major injury) by 2 independent reviewers. To demonstrate that even minor injuries on a cellular scale result in damage, a bovine osteochondral explant was used to create comparable minor iatrogenic injuries at varied forces that do not disrupt the articular surface (1.5 N, 2.5 N, and 9.8 N). Dead chondrocytes at the site of injury were stained with ethidium homodimer-2 and imaged with an Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope. χ2 tests were used for analysis; all results with P < .05 were considered significant. RESULTS: In total, 130 videos of arthroscopic meniscus and femoral acetabular impingement procedures were analyzed and the incidence of iatrogenic cartilage injury was 73.8%. There were 110 (70.0%) minor, 35 (22.3%) intermediate, and 11 (7.0%) major iatrogenic injuries. All forces tested in the minor injury bovine model resulted in chondrocyte death at the site of contact. CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic articular cartilage injuries are common in arthroscopy, occurring in more than 70% of the surgeon-published instructional videos analyzed. At least some chondrocyte death occurs with minor simulated iatrogenic injuries (1.5 N). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high rate of cartilage damage during arthroscopic technique videos likely under-represents the true incidence in clinical practice. Cell death occurs in the bovine minor injury model with minimal contact forces. This suggests iatrogenic cartilage damage during arthroscopy could contribute to clinical outcomes.

Early stage and small medial osteochondral lesions of the talus in the presence of chronic lateral ankle instability: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: In chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI), the instability of the ankle joint results in repeated microtrauma to the articular cartilage. How the lesion condition or stage is affected by the presence of lateral instability in medial osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is unclear. We aimed to examine whether CLAI is associated with the size and staging of medial OLT on radiographs, magnetic resonance (MR) images, and arthroscopy. METHODS: Forty-five patients with medial OLTs in 45 ankles were reviewed. Radiographs were assessed for damage and lesion classification. The tibio-talar tilting angle (TTA) was measured. The patients were divided into two groups: the CLAI group and the stable group. The lesion classification on radiographs, MR images, and arthroscopy, and size on MR images were statistically compared. RESULTS: The CLAI group had a mean TTA of 8.15 ± 3.41°, whereas the stable group had a mean TTA of 2.24 ± 1.64°. The CLAI group had a lower clinical score than the stable group at the initial visit to our clinic. The CLAI group presented with lesions of significantly shorter longitudinal and transverse diameters. Stages of medial OLT on radiographs, MR images, and arthroscopic evaluation were earlier in the CLAI group than those in the stable group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLAI presented in the early stages of OLT and had significantly smaller lesions than those without CLAI. The patients without CLAI may be selected for surgery at an early phase.

Nomenclature of Subchondral Nonneoplastic Bone Lesions.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to summarize the nomenclature of nonneoplastic conditions affecting subchondral bone through a review of the medical literature and expert opinion of the Society of Skeletal Radiology Subchondral Bone Nomenclature Committee. CONCLUSION. This consensus statement summarizes current understanding of the pathophysiologic characteristics and imaging findings of subchondral nonneoplastic bone lesions and proposes nomenclature to improve effective communication across clinical specialties and help avoid diagnostic errors that could affect patient care.

Reliability of the Arthroscopic Classifications of Hip Chondral Lesions* / Confiabilidade das classificações artroscópicas das lesões condrais do quadril*

Abstract Objective To evaluate the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications for acetabular joint cartilage lesions through the arthroscopic procedure. Methods A total of 60 hip arthroscopy videos were evaluated twice by 4 surgeons at 2 different times to assess the inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of the classifications, and the data was analyzed by means of the weighted Cohen Kappa index. Results The mean weighted Kappa values in the interobserver assessment of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications were, respectively, 0.72, 0.78, and 0.68. The three classifications were considered as presenting good interobserver agreement. Regarding the intraobserver assessment of the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications, the weighted Kappa values were, respectively, 0.9, 0.9, and 0.93. The three classifications were considered as presenting excellent intraobserver agreement. Conclusion In the present series, the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications presented good interobserver reproducibility and excellent intraobserver reproducibility when evaluating acetabular chondral lesions by the arthroscopic approach.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a confiabilidade inter- e intraobservador das classificações de Outerbridge, Beck e Haddad para lesões da cartilagem articular acetabular com o uso da via artroscópica. Métodos Foram avaliados 60 vídeos de artroscopias do quadril por 4 cirurgiões em 2 momentos para avaliar a reprodutibilidade inter- e intraobservador das classificações. Os dados foram analisados a partir do cálculo do índice Kappa de Cohen ponderado. Resultados Os valores do Kappa ponderado médio na avaliação interobservador das classificações de Outerbridge, Beck e Haddad foram, respectivamente, 0,72, 0,78 e 0,68. As três classificações foram consideradas como de boa concordância interobservador. Comrelação à avaliação intraobservador das classificações de Outerbridge, Beck e Haddad, os valores Kappa foram, respectivamente, 0,9, 0,9 e 0,93. As três classificações foram consideradas excelentes na comparação intraobservador. Conclusão Na presente série, as classificações de Outerbridge, Beck e Haddad apresentaram boa reprodutibilidade interobservador e excelente reprodutibilidade intraobservador ao avaliar lesões condrais acetabulares por via artroscópica.

Acetabular Delamination: Epidemiology, Histological Features, and Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The International Cartilage Repair Society classification is the one mainly used to define chondral defects. However, this classification does not include delamination. The objective of the study is to describe the characteristics of this lesion to better explain its classification in the context of chondral lesions of the hip. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis of 613 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. In this group, the incidence, localization, histological characteristics, and association to femoroacetabular impingement as well as to other intraarticular lesions of acetabular delamination (AD) were analyzed. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging accuracy and the different treatment options were also evaluated. RESULTS: In our series, the incidence of the AD was 37% (226 patients over 613). The average age of this group was significantly lower (39.3 years) than the entire group of patients. Isolated cam (P < 0.01) and pincer morphologies (P < 0.05) had a significant statistical association with the AD. This lesion was primarily localized at the acetabular chondrolabral junction, mainly on the anterosuperior quadrant. The intraarticular lesions more frequently associated to AD were labral lesions (94.25%, P < 0.01), ligamentum teres lesions (28.32%, P < 0.05), and femoral head chondral lesions (19.9%, P < 0.01). The histological examination of the AD was characterized by hypocellularity and structural disorder of the matrix, with fissures. Treatment remains controversial. CONCLUSION: AD represents an intermediate stage in chondral damage and can be classified as a "2a" grade lesion. Histological examination confirms the intermediate and progressive character of this injury.

The cytokinome in osteoarthritis, a new paradigm in diagnosis and prognosis of cartilage disease.

At present, diagnosis and progression monitoring of osteoarthritis (OA) is made through radiological and clinical assessment. Several studies investigated the role of synovial fluid analysis, to find out whether joint disease could be characterized by the pattern of cytokines, which acts during the pathogenic process or in specific stages of it. Online PubMed-Medline search was performed in order to retrieve evidence concerning synovial fluid analysis of cytokines involved in OA degenerative process. Concerning pro-inflammatory cytokines, it has been shown that interleukin (IL)-6, TNF-α and IL-17 are mainly over-expressed in the synovial fluid of OA joints, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Variations of cytokines levels occur with radiological and clinical progression. It was also reported that metalloproteinases are involved. Synovial fluid analysis may be helpful in defining stage and type of OA, but more research is needed, especially focusing on the variation of sets of cytokines during OA stages and correlating these patterns with clinical features.

Quantitative OCT and MRI biomarkers for the differentiation of cartilage degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of quantitative parameters obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the comprehensive assessment of human articular cartilage degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human osteochondral samples of variable degeneration (n = 45) were obtained from total knee replacements and assessed by MRI sequences measuring T1, T1ρ, T2 and T2* relaxivity and by OCT-based quantification of irregularity (OII, optical irregularity index), homogeneity (OHI, optical homogeneity index]) and attenuation (OAI, optical attenuation index]). Samples were also assessed macroscopically (Outerbridge classification) and histologically (Mankin classification) as grade-0 (Mankin scores 0-4)/grade-I (scores 5-8)/grade-II (scores 9-10)/grade-III (score 11-14). After data normalisation, differences between Mankin grades and correlations between imaging parameters were assessed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test and Spearman's correlation coefficients, respectively. Sensitivities and specificities in the detection of Mankin grade-0 were calculated. RESULTS: Significant degeneration-related increases were found for T2 and OII and decreases for OAI, while T1, T1ρ, T2* or OHI did not reveal significant changes in relation to degeneration. A number of significant correlations between imaging parameters and histological (sub)scores were found, in particular for T2 and OII. Sensitivities and specificities in the detection of Mankin grade-0 were highest for OHI/T1 and OII/T1ρ, respectively. CONCLUSION: Quantitative OCT and MRI techniques seem to complement each other in the comprehensive assessment of cartilage degeneration. Sufficiently large structural and compositional changes in the extracellular matrix may thus be parameterized and quantified, while the detection of early degeneration remains challenging.

Reliability of 3 Different Arthroscopic Classifications for Chondral Damage of the Acetabulum.

PURPOSE: To report the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of 3 chondral damage classifications used to assess articular cartilage damage during hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was performed during April and May 2013. Inclusion criteria were all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and had evidence of chondral damage at the time of surgery. Intra-articular recordings were obtained during the operation in a standardized way. These recordings were obtained from 2 different hospitals in 2 countries by 3 different surgeons. Four fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, with at least 2 years postfellowship experience in hip arthroscopy, independently analyzed the recordings 2 times in randomized order and 4 months apart. They classified the lesions according to the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classifications of chondral damage. The values obtained were used for interobserver and intraobserver analysis. Percentage of agreement and weighted Cohen κ values were calculated. RESULTS: Absolute agreement between observers was present in 12.5% of the cases for the Outerbridge classification, in 20% of the cases for the Beck classification, and in 40% of the cases for the Haddad classification. For interobserver reliability, the average weighted Cohen κ values were 0.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.39), 0.33 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.41), and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.51) for the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classification systems, respectively. For intraobserver reliability, the mean Cohen κ values were 0.62, 0.63, and 0.68 for the Outerbridge, Beck, and Haddad classification systems, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the Haddad classification had the best interobserver reliability. There was no difference in the intraobserver reliability among the 3 classifications studied. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients (without consistently applied reference gold standard).

Posterior medial meniscus root ligament lesions: MRI classification and associated findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of altered MRI appearances of "posterior medial meniscus root ligament (PMMRL)" lesions, introduce a classification of lesion types, and report associated findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 419 knee MRI studies to identify the presence of PMMRL lesions. Classification was established on the basis of lesions encountered. The medial compartment was assessed for medial meniscal tears in the meniscus proper, medial meniscal extrusion, insertional PMMRL osseous changes, regional synovitis, osteoarthritis, insufficiency fracture, and cruciate ligament abnormality. RESULTS: PMMRL abnormalities occurred in 28.6% (120/419) of the studies: degeneration, 14.3% (60/419) and tear, 14.3% (60/419). Our classification system included degeneration and tearing. Tearing was categorized as partial or complete with delineation of the point of failure as entheseal, midsubstance, or junction to meniscus. Of all tears, 93.3% (56/60) occurred at the meniscal junction. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the knees with and without PMMRL lesions in age, medial meniscal tear, medial meniscal extrusion, insertional PMMRL osseous change, regional synovitis, osteoarthritis, insufficiency fracture (p=0.017), and cruciate ligament degeneration (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PMMRL lesions are commonly detected in symptomatic patients. We have introduced an MRI classification system. PMMRL lesions are significantly associated with age, medial meniscal tears, medial meniscal extrusion, insertional PMMRL osseous change, regional synovitis, osteoarthritis, insufficiency fracture, and cruciate ligament degeneration.

Freiberg's infraction: diagnosis and treatment.

Freiberg's infraction is a condition of cartilage degeneration of the lesser metatarsal heads. Adolescent females are the "textbook" patients but both males and females may present with this condition later in life. The second and third metatarsals are the most commonly affected, while involvement of the fourth and fifth is rare. The incidence is higher in females than in males. The pathophysiology is unknown, but studies suggest a combination of vascular compromise, genetic predisposition, and altered biomechanics. Diagnosis is made clinically and imaging is used to confirm. Early in the process, radiographs are normal however bone scans may demonstrate a photopenic center with a hyperactive collar and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal hypointensity of the metatarsal head. As Freiberg's infraction progresses, radiographs show a flattened and fragmented metatarsal head. Nonoperative treatment is based on decreasing foot pressure and unloading the affected metatarsal. Spontaneous healing with remodeling may occur in early stages of the disease. Operative options are dorsal closing wedge osteotomies, osteochondral transplant, and resection arthroplasty. Currently, we do not understand this disease sufficiently to prevent its occurrence. Outcomes of nonoperative and operative management are good to excellent and most patients are able to return to previous activity.

The reliability of arthroscopic classification of acetabular rim labrochondral disease.

BACKGROUND: The results of surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement have been increasingly reported, and more advanced intra-articular disease has been identified as an important predictive factor of outcome. Yet, the reliability of arthroscopic hip disease classification has not been well defined. Purpose/ HYPOTHESIS: To determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the Beck classification of labral and articular cartilage disease (anterior-superior acetabular rim) encountered in hip arthroscopy. Secondly, we identified the sources of poor reliability that may be improved with future disease classification schemes. Our hypothesis was that the Beck classification of labral and chondral lesions would demonstrate substantial reliability, while the differentiation of early forms of disease would be a common source of disagreement. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Four experienced hip arthroscopists reviewed standardized arthroscopic videos of 40 cases. Arthroscopic findings at the anterior-superior acetabular rim were classified using the Beck classification of labral and articular cartilage disease. Repeat classification of videos was performed at least 2 weeks later. The reliability of arthroscopic classification was defined using the average weighted Cohen κ values and agreement rates. RESULTS: Arthroscopic classification of labral disease using the Beck classification demonstrated moderate to substantial interobserver reliability (average κ = .62; range, .48-.78) and an overall agreement rate of 81.7%. Intraobserver reliability showed a similar level of reliability (average κ = .65; agreement rate, 80.6%). The differentiation between labral degeneration and labral detachment was a common source of disagreement. Similarly, the Beck classification of articular cartilage disease had moderate to substantial interobserver reliability (average κ = .65; range, .49-.78) and overall agreement rate of 57.5%. Intraobserver reliability showed a slightly better level of reliability (average κ = .80; agreement rate, 77.5%). The differentiation between articular cartilage malacia and debonding was a common source of disagreement. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic classification of acetabular rim disease with the Beck classification has substantial interobserver reliability. This level of reliability is similar to previously reported arthroscopic disease classifications in the knee and shoulder and seems appropriate for future outcome reporting. Future classifications that eliminate common sources of disagreement may further improve the reliability.

Eficacia de la resonancia magnetica en el diagnostico de lesiones del cartilago articular / Effectiveness of the MRI in the diagnosis of articular chondral injuries

Objetivo: Establecer la sensibilidad de la resonancia magnética en la detección, graduación y localización de las lesiones condrales en la rodilla. Material y método: Un total de 43 pacientes fueron analizados 27 hombres y 14 mujeres. El cartílago articular fue clasificado en la resonancia magnética y en la artroscopia de acuerdo a la clasificación de Johansson. Todos los pacientes fueron operados. Se comparó el diagnóstico preoperatorio con los resultados postoperatoríos en cada caso. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 116 lesiones de las 173 presentes (67,05 por ciento). Además 93 de las lesiones encontradas no concordaron en la gradación, lo que pone en evidencia una escasa concordancia entre ambas evaluaciones (46,25%). Conclusión: Recomendamos una valoración minuciosa de todas las superficies articulares al evaluar una RM, y en caso de visualizar algún defecto condral, éste no debe ser subestimado...

Eficacia de la resonancia magnetica en el diagnostico de lesiones del cartilago articular / Effectiveness of the MRI in the diagnosis of articular chondral injuries

Objetivo: Establecer la sensibilidad de la resonancia magnética en la detección, graduación y localización de las lesiones condrales en la rodilla. Material y método: Un total de 43 pacientes fueron analizados 27 hombres y 14 mujeres. El cartílago articular fue clasificado en la resonancia magnética y en la artroscopia de acuerdo a la clasificación de Johansson. Todos los pacientes fueron operados. Se comparó el diagnóstico preoperatorio con los resultados postoperatoríos en cada caso. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 116 lesiones de las 173 presentes (67,05 por ciento). Además 93 de las lesiones encontradas no concordaron en la gradación, lo que pone en evidencia una escasa concordancia entre ambas evaluaciones (46,25%). Conclusión: Recomendamos una valoración minuciosa de todas las superficies articulares al evaluar una RM, y en caso de visualizar algún defecto condral, éste no debe ser subestimado...(AU)

The outerbridge classification predicts the need for patellar resurfacing in TKA.

UNLABELLED: Patellar resurfacing (PR) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. The Outerbridge classification of cartilage defects in the patella is commonly used in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Outerbridge classification can predict the need for PR as part of total knee arthroplasty. Between 1995 and 2000, we performed a prospective, randomized study of 500 TKAs. We carried out PR depending on the Outerbridge classification of the patella at the time of surgery. Patients with Outerbridge Grades I, II, and III formed Group A, whereas patients with Grade IV formed Group B. Within each group, resurfacing was completed on half of the patients. Group A had 328 patients (164 with PR, 164 without PR). In Group B, there were 172 patients (86 with PR, 86 without PR). An identical prosthetic design was used for both groups. The minimum followup was 5 years (average, 7.8 years) for both Group A and Group B. At the end of followup, we assessed the number of patients in each group that required secondary resurfacing as a result of patellofemoral pain. Patients in Group A required fewer revisions for PF pain. In Group A, only one patient required a secondary PR (0.6% rate), whereas in Group B, 10 patients needed PR (11.6% rate). In Group B, the risk of need of a patellar resurfacing was 21.5 times greater than in Group A. On the basis of these findings, we recommend PR in Outerbridge Grade IV patellae, but not in Grades I, II, and III. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.