Abstract
Purpose: The treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) remains a challenge. Fresh Osteo-chondral Allograft is a method that has been used for the treatment of larger lesions, with the advantage of transplanting living cartilage that is biologically attached to the subchondral bone. The purpose of this clinical series is to prospectively review the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients that have undergone a Fresh Osteochondral Allograft.
Method: Between January 2003 and January 2007, 17 feet in 8 male and 8 female patients at a mean age of 35.8 (15–53) years underwent fresh osteochondral talar allo-grafting by a single surgeon. Data was prospectively collected, including preoperative and postoperative AOFAS, AOS, AAOS foot & ankle worksheets and SF-36 scores. Statistical analysis consisted of one tailed student T-test with alpha set a 5%. All patients were followed up clinically and radiographically by x-ray and CT scan.
Results: Average follow up was 3.2 (0.9–6.2) years. All scoring systems showed significant improvement postoperatively, except for AAOS shoe comfort scores, and the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36 questionnaire. The AOFAS score improved significantly (p=0.0001) from a mean score of 53.4 (30–71) to 86.3 (72–96). AOS pain scores improved significantly (p=0.0053) from a mean score of 45.4 (8.7–72.2) to 24.1 (4.2–58.9). AOS disability score improved significantly (p=0.0013) from a mean of 53.8 (7.8–77.3) to 25.9 (6.6 – 62.5). The AAOS foot & ankle core scale (standardized mean) improved significantly (p=0.0015) from a mean of 52.3 (21–81) to 80.1 (56–99). The AAOS foot & ankle core scale (normative score) improved significantly (p=0.0016) from a mean of 16.9 (−9 to 40) to 39.5 (20–55). The SF-36 Physical Component Summary improved significantly from a mean of 34.9 (24.2–43.8) to 47.3 (36.6–59.8). There was successful osseous graft incorporation in 16/17 feet (94%) verified on CT scan. Of the 16 grafts which had successfully incorporated, radiographic follow up showed 4/16 feet (25%) had signs of progressive OA and 3/16 feet (19%) had developed new osteolysis around the graft.
Conclusion: Although patients’ functional outcome can be substantially improved with the use of fresh osteochondral allografts the early radiographic findings are of concern with 43% demonstrating progression of arthritis or osteolysis of the graft during the process of graft incorporation.
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