Abstract
Recently biodegradable synthetic scaffolds (Trufit plug) have provided novel approach to the management of chondral and osteochondral lesions. The aim of this study was to assess our 2 year experience with the Trufit plug system.
22 patients aged 20 to 50 years old all presenting with knee pain over a 2 year period were diagnosed either by MRI or arthroscopically with an isolated chondral or osteochondral lesion and proceeded to either arthroscopic or mini arthrotomy Trufit plug implantation. In 5 patients plug implantation was undertaken along with ACL reconstruction (3), medial meniscal repair (1) and contralateral knee OCD screw fixation (1). Pre and post operative IKDC scores were obtained to assess change in knee symptoms and function.
At a mean follow up of 15 months (range 2 – 24 months) improved IKDC scores were achieved with the scores improving with time. 2 patients have had a poor result and have had further surgery for their chondral lesions. One patient had failure of graft incorporation at second look arthroscopy and went onto to have a good result after ACI. The second patient had good graft incorporation on second look but had progression of osteoarthritic degeneration throughout the other compartments of the knee which were not initially identified at the time of Trufit plugging.
We conclude that Trufit plug is an alternative method for managing isolated chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee which avoids harvest site morbidity or the need for staged surgery.
