There have been considerable recent advances in the understanding and management of femoroacetabular impingement and associated labral and chondral pathology. We have developed a classification system for acetabular chondral lesions. In our system, we use the six acetabular zones previously described by Ilizaliturri et al. The cartilage is then graded on a scale of 0 to 4 as follows: grade 0, normal articular cartilage lesions; grade 1, softening or wave sign; grade 2, cleavage lesion; grade 3, delamination; and grade 4, exposed bone. The site of the lesion is further classed as A, B or C based on whether the lesion is less than one-third of the distance from the acetabular rim to the cotyloid fossa, one-third to two-thirds of the same distance and greater than two-thirds of the distance, respectively. In order to validate the classification system, six surgeons graded ten video recordings of hip arthroscopy. Our findings showed a high intra-observer reliability of the classification system with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81 and a high interobserver reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88. We have developed a simple reproducible classification system for lesions of the acetabular cartilage, which it is hoped will allow standardised documentation to be made of damage to the articular cartilage, particularly that associated with femoroacetabular impingement

Aims. Hip arthroscopy (HA) has become the treatment of choice for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic surgery are expected in patients with severe chondral lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions, classified according to the Outerbridge system. Methods. A systematic search was performed on four databases. Studies which involved HA as the primary management of FAI and reported on chondral lesions as classified according to the Outerbridge classification were included. The study was registered on PROSPERO. Demographic data, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were collected. Results. A total of 24 studies were included with a total of 3,198 patients (3,233 hips). Patients had significantly less improvement in PROMs if they had Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions (p = 0.012). Compared with microfracture, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) resulted in significantly reduced rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.042) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.038). Chondral repair procedures in these patients also did not significantly reduce the rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.931), or of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.218). However, compared with microfracture, AMIC significantly reduced the rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.001) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.011) in these patients. Those with Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions also had significantly increased rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.029) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.023) if they had associated lesions of the acetabulum and femoral head. Those who underwent labral debridement had a significantly increased rate of conversion to THA compared with those who underwent labral repair (p = 0.015). Conclusion. There is universal improvement in PROMs following HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions. However, those with Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions had significantly less improvement in PROMs and a significantly increased rate of conversion to THA than those with Outerbridge grade I and II. This suggests that the outcome of HA in patients with FAI and severe articular cartilage damage may not be favourable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):751–759

Aims. The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) associated with instability of the shoulder ranges between 4% and 60%. Articular cartilage is, however, routinely assessed in these patients using radiographs or scans (2D or 3D), with little opportunity to record early signs of cartilage damage. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and localization of chondral lesions and synovial damage in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for instablility of the shoulder, in order to classify them and to identify risk factors for the development of glenohumeral OA. Methods. A total of 140 shoulders in 140 patients with a mean age of 28.5 years (15 to 55), who underwent arthroscopic treatment for recurrent glenohumeral instability, were included. The prevalence and distribution of chondral lesions and synovial damage were analyzed and graded into stages according to the division of the humeral head and glenoid into quadrants. The following factors that might affect the prevalence and severity of chondral damage were recorded: sex, dominance, age, age at the time of the first dislocation, number of dislocations, time between the first dislocation and surgery, preoperative sporting activity, Beighton score, type of instability, and joint laxity. Results. A total of 133 patients (95%) had synovial or chondral lesions. At the time of surgery, shoulders were graded as having mild, moderate, and severe OA in 55 (39.2%), 72 (51.4%), and six (4.2%) patients, respectively. A Hill-Sachs lesion and fibrillation affecting the anteroinferior glenoid cartilage were the most common findings. There was a significant positive correlation between the the severity of the development of glenohumeral OA and the patient’s age, their age at the time of the first dislocation, and the number of dislocations (p = 0.004, p = 0.011, and p = 0.031, respectively). Conclusion. Synovial inflammation and chondral damage associated with instability of the shoulder are more prevalent than previously reported. The classification using quadrants gives surgeons more information about the chondral damage, and could explain the pattern of development of glenohumeral OA after stabilization of the shoulder. As the number of dislocations showed a positive correlation with the development of OA, this might be an argument for early stabilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1125–1132

Abstract. Objective. A common orthopaedic pain found in a wide spectrum of individuals, from young and active to the elderly is anterior knee pain (AKP). It is a multifactorial disorder which is thought to occur through muscular imbalance, overuse, trauma, and structural malalignment. Over time, this can result in cartilage damage and subsequent chondral lesions. Whilst the current gold standard for chondral lesion detection is MRI, it is not a highly sensitive tool, with around 20% of lesions thought to be mis-diagnosed by MRI. Single-photon emission computerised tomography with conventional computer tomography (SPECT/CT) is an emerging technology, which may hold clinical value for the detection of chondral lesions. SPECT/CT may provide valuable diagnostic information for AKP patients who demonstrate absence of structural change on other imaging modalities. This review systematically assessed the value of SPECT/CT as an imaging modality for knee pain, and its ability to diagnose chondral lesions for patients who present with knee pain. Methods. Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, AMED, Ovid Emcare and Embase. Inclusion criteria consisted of any English language article focusing on the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT for knee chondral lesions and knee pain. Furthermore, animal or cadaver studies, comparator technique other than SPECT/CT or patients with a pathology other than knee chondral lesions were excluded from the study. Relevant articles underwent QUADAS-2 bias assessment. Results. 11,982 manuscripts were identified, and the titles were screened for relevance. Seven studies were selected as being appropriate and were subjected to QUADAS-2 assessment. All 7 articles scored low for bias. Two papers deemed that the ICRS score of chondral lesions at intraoperative assessment correlated with SPECT/CT tracer uptake. Two studies concluded that MRI significantly correlated with SPECT/CT tracer uptake, with some instances whereby SPECT/CT identified more chondral lesions than MRI. Two papers compared bone scintigraphy (BS) to SPECT/CT and concluded that SPECT/CT was not only able to identify more chondral lesions than BS, but also localise and characterise the lesions. Conclusion. Evidence implies that SPECT/CT may be a useful imaging modality for the detection and localisation of cartilage lesions, particularly in discrepant cases whereby there is an absence of lesions on other imaging modalities, or a lack of correspondence with patients’ symptoms. More studies would be of value to confirm the conclusions of this review. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has become the mainstay of treatment. However, chondral lesions are frequently encountered and have become a determinant of less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic intervention. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the outcomes of hip arthroscopy (HA) in patients with FAI and concomitant chondral lesions classified as per Outerbridge. A systematic search was performed using the PRISMA guidelines on four databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies which included HA as the primary intervention for management of FAI and classified chondral lesions according to the Outerbridge classification were included. Patients treated with open procedures, for osteonecrosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and previous ipsilateral hip fractures were excluded. From a total of 863 articles, twenty-four were included for final analysis. Demographic data, PROMs, and radiological outcomes and rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were collected. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Improved post-operative PROMs included mHHS (mean difference:-2.42; 95%CI:-2.99 to −1.85; p<0.001), NAHS (mean difference:-1.73; 95%CI: −2.23 to −1.23; p<0.001), VAS (mean difference: 2.03; 95%CI: 0.93-3.13; p<0.001). Pooled rate of revision surgery was 10% (95%CI: 7%-14%). Most of this included conversion to THA, with a 7% pooled rate (95%CI: 4%-11%). Patients had worse PROMs if they underwent HA with labral debridement (p=0.015), had Outerbridge 3 and 4 lesions (p=0.012), concomitant lesions of the femoral head and acetabulum lesions (p=0.029). Reconstructive cartilage techniques were superior to microfracture (p=0.042). Even in concomitant lesions of the femoral head and acetabulum, employing either microfracture or cartilage repair/reconstruction provided a benefit in PROMs (p=0.027). Acceptable post-operative outcomes following HA with labral repair/reconstruction and cartilage repair in patients with FAI and concomitant moderate-to-severe chondral lesions, can be achieved. Patients suffering from Outerbridge 3 and 4 lesions, concomitant acetabular rim and femoral head chondral lesions that underwent HA with labral debridement, had worse PROMs. Reconstructive cartilage techniques were superior to microfracture. Even in concomitant acetabular and femoral head chondral lesions, employing either microfracture or cartilage repair/reconstruction was deemed to provide a benefit in PROMs

Femoroacetabular impingement is a prearthritic deformity frequently associated with early chondral damage. Several techniques exist for restoring larger cartilage defects. While AMIC proved to be an effective treatment in knee and ankle, there are only short-term data available in hip. This study aimed to investigate the mid-term clinical outcome of patients with chondral lesions treated by AMIC and evaluate the quality of repair tissue via MRI. This retrospective, single center study includes 18 patients undergoing surgical hip dislocation for FAI between 2013 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were: cam or pincer-type FAI, femoral or acetabular chondral lesions > 1 cm. 2. , (IRCS III-IV). Due to exclusion criteria and loss-to-follow-up 9 patients (10 hips) could be included. Patient reported outcome measures included Oxford Hip Score (OHS) & Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI)). MRIs were evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. None of the patients underwent revision surgery except screw removals from the greater trochanter. Followup data indicate a satisfactory to good hip function at 5 years: PROMS improved from pre- to postop at 5 years: OHS from 38.1 to 43.4, COMI from to 1.8 and UCLA from 4 to 8.1 respectively. MOCART score was 67.5 postoperatively. Subgrouping showed slightly better results for acetabular defects (Ø 69.4) compared femoral defects (Ø 60). Based on the reported mid-term results, we consider AMIC as a valuable treatment option for larger chondral defects of the hip

Introduction and Objective. Platelet-Rich-plasma (PRP) has been used in combination with stem cells, from different sources, with encouraging results both in vitro and in vivo in osteochondral defects management. Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) represents an ideal resource for their ease of isolation, abundance, proliferation and differentiation properties into different cell lineages. Furthermore, Stem Cells in the adipose tissue are more numerous than from other sources. Aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of ADSCs in enhancing the effect of arthroscopic mesenchymal stimulation combined with infiltration of PRP. Materials and Methods. The study includes 82 patients. 41 patients were treated with knee arthroscopy, Steadman microfractures technique and intraoperative PRP infiltration, Group A. In the Group B, 41 patients were treated knee arthroscopy, Steadman microfractures and intraoperative infiltration of PRP and ADSCs (Group B). Group A was used as a control group. Inclusion criteria were: Age between 40 and 65 years, Outerbridge grade III-IV chondral lesions, Kellegren-Lawrence Grade I-II. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) evaluated with KOOS, IKDC, VAS, SF-12 were assessed pre-operatively and at 3 weeks, 6 months, 1-year post-operative. 2 patients of Group A and 3 patients of Group B, with indication of Puddu plate removal after high tibial osteotomy (HTO), underwent an arthroscopic second look, after specific informed consent obtained. On this occasion, a bioptic sample was taken from the repair tissue of the chondral lesion previously treated with Steadman microfractures. Results. PROMs showed statistically significant improvement (p <0.05) with comparable results in both groups. The histological examination of the bioptic samples in Group B showed a repair tissue similar to hyaline cartilage, according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Visual Histological Assessment Scale. In Group A, the repair tissue was fibrocartilaginous. Conclusions. According to the PROMs and the histological results, showing repair tissue after Steadman microfractures qualitatively similar to hyaline cartilage, the combination of ADSCs and PRP could represent an excellent support to the arthroscopic treatment of focal chondral lesions and mild to moderate osteoarthritis

Aims. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for the treatment of larger cartilage lesions and deformity correction in hips suffering from symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods. This single-centre study focused on a cohort of 24 patients with cam- or pincer-type FAI, full-thickness femoral or acetabular chondral lesions, or osteochondral lesions ≥ 2 cm. 2. , who underwent surgical hip dislocation for FAI correction in combination with AMIC between March 2009 and February 2016. Baseline data were retrospectively obtained from patient files. Mid-term outcomes were prospectively collected at a follow-up in 2020: cartilage repair tissue quality was evaluated by MRI using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI). Clinical examination included range of motion, impingement tests, and pain. Results. A total of 12 hips from 11 patients were included (ten males, one female, mean age 26.8 years (SD 5.0), mean follow-up 6.2 years (SD 5.2 months)). The mean postoperative MOCART score was 66.3 (SD 16.3). None of the patients required conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Two patients had anterior impingement. External hip rotation was moderately limited in four patients. There was a correlation between MOCART and follow-up time (r. s. = -0.61; p = 0.035), but not with initial cartilage damage, age, BMI, or imaging time delay before surgery. PROMs improved significantly: OHS from 37.4 to 42.7 (p = 0.014) and COMI from 4.1 to 1.6 (p = 0.025). There was no correlation between MOCART and PROMs. Conclusion. Based on the reported mid-term results, we consider AMIC as an encouraging treatment option for large cartilage lesions of the hip. Nonetheless, the clinical evidence of AMIC in FAI patients remains to be determined, ideally in the context of randomized controlled trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5 Supple B):32–39

Introduction. The management of early OA in young patients with joint preservation techniques utilizing cartilage repair remains challenging and a suitable treatment remains unclear. The management of bipolar chondral lesions in the patello-femoral (PF) and in the tibio-femoral (TF) compartment with cartilage repair is especially troublesome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survivorship after ACI for the treatment of bipolar chondral lesions in the PF and TF compartment. Methods. This was an IRB approved, prospectively collected case series, level 4 study. We evaluated 115 patients. 58 patients who had ACI for the treatment of symptomatic bipolar chondral lesions in the PF compartment and 57 in the TF compartment with a minimum 2-year follow up. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries between October 1995 and June 2014. In the PF group, all 58 patients (60 knees; mean age, 36.6 years) were included, and for the TF group one patient did not return for follow-up, 56 patients (58 knees) were included. For the PF group, an average size of the patella and trochlea lesions were 5.6 ± 2.7 cm2 and 4.2 ± 2.8 cm2, respectively. For the TF group, an average of 3.1 lesions per knee were treated, representing a total surface area of 16.1 cm2 (range, 3.2 – 44.5 cm2) per knee. Patients were evaluated with the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Short Form 36. Patients also answered questions regarding self-rated knee function and satisfaction with the procedure. Standard radiographs were evaluated for progression of OA. Results. Patients did well for bipolar ACI in both compartments. In the PF compartment overall, the survival rate was 83% and 79% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Of the 49 (82%) knees with retained grafts, all functional scores significantly improved postoperatively with a very high satisfaction rate (88%) at a mean of 8.8 years after ACI (range, 2 – 16 years). Outcomes for 11 patients were considered as failures at a mean of 2.9 years. In the TF group, the overall survival rate was 80% at 5 years and 76% at 10 years. Significantly better survival rate in patients with the use of collagen membrane than periosteum (97% vs. 61% at 5 years, P = 0.0014) was found. Of 46 knees with retained grafts, all functional scores significantly improved postoperatively with a very high satisfaction rate (85%) at a mean of 8.3 years after ACI (range, 2–20 years). Outcomes for 12 patients were considered as failures at a mean of 4.1 years. Of them, 9 patients were converted to a partial or total knee arthroplasty at a mean of 4.4 years. Two patients had revision ACI at 5 and 17 months. The other one patient did not require a revision surgery. At the most recent follow-up for both groups there was no radiographic progression to OA. Conclusions. Our study showed that ACI for the treatment of bipolar chondral lesions in the PF and TF compartments provided successful clinical outcomes in patients with retained grafts and could possibly prevent or delay OA progression. The best results in the PF joint are as primary repairs and not after failed osteotomy or cartilage repair with a 91% 10-year survival. Collagen membrane is more encouraging than periosteum for bipolar lesions in both the PF and TF compartments. ACI could be an adequate salvage procedure for bipolar chondral lesions in the TF compartment for the relatively young arthritic patient who wishes to avoid an arthroplasty

The repair of chondral lesions associated with femoroacetabular impingement requires specific treatment in addition to that of the impingement. In this single-centre retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients we compared treatment with microfracture (MFx) with a technique of enhanced microfracture autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions measuring between 2 cm. 2. and 8 cm. 2. in 147 patients were treated by MFx in 77 and AMIC in 70. The outcome was assessed using the modified Harris hip score at six months and one, two, three, four and five years post-operatively. The outcome in both groups was significantly improved at six months and one year post-operatively. During the subsequent four years the outcome in the MFx group slowly deteriorated, whereas that in the AMIC group remained stable. Six patients in the MFx group subsequently required total hip arthroplasty, compared with none in the AMIC group . We conclude that the short-term clinical outcome improves in patients with acetabular chondral damage following both MFx and AMIC. However, the AMIC group had better and more durable improvement, particularly in patients with large (≥ 4 cm. 2. ) lesions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:628–35

Abstract. Objective. Articular cartilage damaged through trauma or disease has a limited ability to repair. Untreated, these focal lesions progress to generalized changes including osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis are the most significant contributor to disability globally. There is increasing interest in the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of focal chondral lesions. There is some evidence to suggest that the tissue type from which MSCs are harvested play a role in determining their ability to regenerate cartilage in vitro and in vivo. In humans, MSCs derived from synovial tissue may have superior chondrogenic potential. Methods. We carried out a systematic literature review on the effectiveness of synovium-derived MSCs (sMSCs) in cartilage regeneration in in vivo studies in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Nineteen studies were included in our review; four examined the use of human sMSCs and the remainder were conducted using sMSCs harvested from animals. Results. Despite the variability of animals, cell harvesting techniques, methods of delivery, and outcome measures, all studies reported successful cartilage repair with sMSC transplantation. Conclusion. We conclude that sMSC transplantation holds promise as a treatment option for focal cartilage defects. We believe that defining the cell population being used, establishing standardized methods for MSC delivery, and the use of objective outcome measures should enable future high-quality studies such as randomized controlled clinical trials to provide the evidence needed to manage chondral lesions optimally. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Chondral damage within the knee commonly occurs during sport following direct trauma or following degeneration through overuse. Radio frequency energy chondroplasty (RFC) can be used as an alternative to mechanical chondroplasty in the arthroscopic treatment of chondral lesions. Current literature supports the theoretical advantage of RFC and purports to in vitro improvements in cartilage structure and function following RFC. We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing RFC for isolated chondral lesions in the knee and assessed the short term clinical benefits. Retrospective analysis was completed of operative notes and arthroscopic images of all patients who underwent arthroscopic chondroplasty at the royal Devon and Exeter Hospital between January 2009 and June 2012. Inclusion criteria included 1 to 2 defined chondral lesions, less than 2cm2, of Outerbridge grade II-IV, treated via arthroscopic RFC. Exclusion criteria included diffuse articular cartilage damage, additional pathologies affecting the knee or subsequent further injuries or invasive procedures to the knee. Data was collected via a subjective and objective questionnaire assessing patient outcome. 35 patients met the inclusion criteria, 32 were successfully followed up. Male: female ratio was 16:16, with a mean age of 39.5 (range 19–60). 84% (n=27) of patients experienced a significant reduction in pain (mean reduction of 51%, p < 0.001) lasting until the time of study (median of 21 months, range 9 to 31 months). There was no correlation between change in symptoms and site and grade of chondral lesion. Pre-operative instability symptoms did not significantly improve following RFC. Satisfaction with treatment was in direct correlation with pain relief achieved. Our study appears to support current literature by suggesting short term improvements to pain following the use of RFC on chondral lesions. Greater population size and longer follow-up are required to provide more significant conclusions

This study evaluates the outcome of arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam lesions of the hip in the absence of additional pathology other than acetabular chondral lesions. We retrospectively reviewed 166 patients (170 hips) who were categorised according to three different grades of chondral damage. The outcome was assessed in each grade using the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Overall, at the last follow-up (mean 22 months, 12 to 72), the mean MHHS had improved by 15.3 points (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.9 to 21.7) and the mean NAHS by 15 points (95% CI, 9.4 to 20.5). Significantly better results were observed in hips with less severe chondral damage. Microfracture in limited chondral lesions showed superior results. Arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for cam impingement with microfracture in selected cases is beneficial. The outcome correlates with the severity of acetabular chondral damage

Abstract. Introduction. Active, middle-aged patients with symptomatic cartilage or osteochondral defects can find themselves in a treatment gap when they have failed conservative measures but are not yet eligible for conventional arthroplasty. Data from various cohort studies suggests that focal knee resurfacing implants such as HemiCAP, UniCAP, Episealer or BioBoly are cost-effective solutions to alleviate pain, improve function and delay or eliminate the need for conventional replacement. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in order to(i) evaluate revision rates and implant survival of focal resurfacing; (ii) explore surgical complications; and (iii) evaluate various patient reported clinical outcome measures. Methodology. PubMED, Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched in February 2022 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies evaluating any of the available implant types. Data on incidence of revision, complications and various patient reported outcome measures was sourced. Results. A total of 24 unique studies were identified with a total of 1465 enrolled patients. A revision rate of 12.97% over a 5.9 year weighted mean follow-up period was observed across all implant types. However, in one series a Kaplan-Meir survival as high as 92.6% at a 10-year follow-up period was noted. A statistically significant improvement was documented across multiple subjective clinical outcomes scores. There was a low reported incidence of post-operative complications such as aseptic loosening or deep wound infection. Conclusions. Focal femoral resurfacing appears to be a viable treatment option for focal symptomatic chondral lesions in patients beyond biological reconstruction, with low revision rates and high patient satisfaction

Introduction: The results of treating chondral lesions with microfracture have been well documented. The lesion heals by fibrocartilage and the functional results tend to deteriorate through time. Hypothesis: The use of steroids an platelet rich plasma (PRP) as coadjuvants to microfracture for the treatment of full thickness chondral lesions improve the results of this marrow stimulating technique. Purpose: To macroscopically, histologically and molecularly evaluate the repair tissue generated after treating full thickness chondral lesions with microfracture and local steroids or PRP in an animal model. Materials: Experimental in-vivo study in 40 femoral condyles (FC) from New Zealand rabbits. Chondral lesions were induced in all the samples and divided into 4 groups:. Group 1: control, lesion left untreated. Group 2: microfracture. Group 3: microfracture + intraarticular betamethasone. Group 4: microfracture + PRP. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months and the samples were evaluated macroscopically, histologically (H and E, Toluidine Blue) and molecularly (RT-PCR for Col1 and Col2). The results were analyzed with ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p< 0.05). Results: Macroscopy: the control group had no healing tissue. In all the other groups there was a variable presence of a fibrocartilaginous tissue without significant differences among groups. Histology: all the groups had the presence of fibrocartilage. Molecular analysis: all the groups had a significantly poorer Col2/Col1 relation when compared to normal hyaline cartilage, without significant difference among groups. Conclusions: The local use of betamethasone and PRP as coadjuvants to microfracture does not improve the macroscopical, histological and molecular results of the treatment of full thickness chondral lesions

Introduction: Chondral lesions are the second most common pathology encountered during hip arthroscopy and can cause substantial morbidity and functional limitation. Microfracture is a simple and effective technique to treat chondral lesions. Studies have shown good long term results in the knee. However there is little evidence to confirm the ability of microfracture to produce repair tissue in hip joint. Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older who had a full thickness acetabular chondral defect treated with microfracture during primary arthroscopy and who had a subsequent hip arthroscopy enabling visualisation of the treated chondral defect were included in the study. Over a three year period 185 patients had microfracture for treatment of full thickness chondral defect. 11 patients (8 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 35 years (range 17–54 years) who had revision hip arthroscopy for various reasons form the study population. The size of chondral defect was measured at the time of primary arthroscopy. Microfracture was performed using arthroscopic awls with a standard technique. Postoperatively a strict rehabilitation protocol was followed with no weight bearing allowed for six weeks. The extent and quality of repair tissue was assessed by visual inspection at second look arthroscopy. Results: All acetabular chondral lesions were identified in the antero-superior quadrant at primary arthroscopy. The average defect after debridement measured 180 mm2 (range 50–300 mm2). 10 patients had chondral lesions confined to the acetabulum. 1 patient had a large femoral head defect in addition, due to Avascular Necrosis. None of the patients had diffuse osteoarthritis. All patients had an associated labral tear. The mean time interval between the primary and revision arthroscopy was 12 months. Excluding 1 failure the overall percent fill of the defects was 95% (range 75 – 100%) with good quality (Grade 1) cartilage. There was one failure with only a 25% fill. In that particular patient a large flap of delaminated cartilage was not resected at primary arthroscopy. Instead microfracture was done under the flap in the hope of encouraging the cartilage to stick to the underlying bone. Unfortunately the cartilage continued to remain delaminated and also hindered the formation of new repair tissue. Conclusion: Only one other series of second look arthroscopy after microfracture has been reported. Our series agrees with the results of those authors. These similar results from 2 centres confirm that arthroscopic microfracture is an effective treatment for acetabular chondral lesions in carefully selected patients

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this work was to search for a relationship between the size of the femoral cam, the presence of cup retroversion, and the presence of labral or chondral lesions on the arthroscan in patients with an asymptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. Material and method: Fifty arthroscans were obtained to explore impingements. The patients complained of groin or trochanteric pain limiting their physical activities. Generally signs of an anterosuperior impingement were demonstrated with flexion-adduction-internal rotation. The localization, dimensions and depth of the cartilage lesions were measured on the arthroscan. The sagittal slice was used to describe the acetabular chondral lesions anteriorly to posteriorly in clockwise manner. Presence of an associated labral lesion was noted. A second operator measured the hip joint anomalies causing the impingement: Notzli’s alpha angle was measured to search for a cam effect and the femoral offset was noted. Results: The presence of a femoral cam or a decreased femoral offset were found in all cases. Mean alpha angle was 65°; mean offset was 0.09. Acetabular retroversion was identified in 24 patients (48%). Chondral lesions were a constant finding and were superficial (type 1& 2) in 32 patients (64%) and deep (type 3& 4) in 18 patients (36%). Labral lesions were found in 28 patients (56%). The depth of the chondral lesions, like the presence of a labral lesion, were correlated significantly with increased alpha angle and patient age. There was conversely no correlation with the presence of acetabular retroversion. Discussion: This study confirmed the close relationship between femoroacetabular impingement by a cam effect and the severity of labral lesions and acetabular cartilage lesions. These lesions can favour degeneration, explaining the early centred or posterinferior damage observed in young patients with satisfactory acetabular cover

Aims. Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated with successful outcomes in carefully selected patient cohorts. We hypothesised that severity and location of patellofemoral cartilage lesions significantly influences functional outcome after Oxford medial compartmental knee arthroplasty. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 100 consecutive UKAs at minimum eight-year follow-up (96 to 132). A single surgeon performed all procedures. Patients were selected based on clinical and plain radiographic assessment. All patients had end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) with sparing of the lateral compartment and intact anterior cruciate ligaments. None of the patients had end-stage patellofemoral OA, but patients with anterior knee pain or partial thickness chondral loss were not excluded. There were 57 male and 43 female patients. The mean age at surgery was 69 years (41 to 82). At surgery the joint was carefully inspected for patellofemoral chondral loss and this was documented based on severity of cartilage loss (0 to 4 Outerbridge grading) and topographic location (medial, lateral, central, and superior or inferior). Functional scores collected included Oxford Knee Score (OKS), patient satisfaction scale and University College Hospital (UCH) knee score. Intraclass correlation was used to compare chondral damage to outcomes. Results. All patients documented significant improvement in pain and improved functional scores at mid-term follow-up. There were four revisions (mean 2.9 years, 2 to 4; standard deviation (. sd). 0.9) in this cohort, three for tibial loosening and one for femoral loosening. There was one infection that was treated with debridement and insert exchange. The mean OKS improved from 23.2 (. sd. 7.1) to 39.1 (. sd. 6.9); p < 0.001. The cohort with central and lateral grade 3 patellofemoral OA documented lower mean satisfaction with pain (90, . sd.  11.8) and function (87.5, . sd. 10.3) on the patient satisfaction scale. On the UCH scale, patients reported significantly decreased mean overall scores (7.3, . sd. 1.2 vs 9, . sd. 2.3) as well as stair climb task (3.5, . sd. 0.3 vs 5, . sd. 0.1) when cartilage lesions were located centrally or laterally on the PFJ. Patients with medial chondral PFJ lesions behave similar to patients with no chondral lesions. Conclusion. Topographical location and severity of cartilage damage of the patella can significantly influence function after successful Oxford medial UKA. Surgeons should factor this in when making their operative decision, and undertake to counsel patients appropriately. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(10 Suppl B):11–15

Introduction: Chondral lesions are the second most common pathology encountered during hip arthroscopy. Microfracture is a simple and effective technique to treat chondral lesions with proven long term results in the knee. However, there is little evidence to confirm the ability of microfracture to produce repair tissue in hip joint. Methods: Patients with acetabular chondral defect treated with microfracture during primary arthroscopy and who had a subsequent hip arthroscopy enabling visualisation of the treated chondral defect were included in the study. Over a three year period 185 patients had microfracture for treatment of full thickness chondral defect. 11 patients (8 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 35 years (range 17–54 years) who had revision hip arthroscopy form the study population. The size of chondral defect was measured at the time of primary arthroscopy. Microfracture was performed using arthroscopic awls with a standard technique. Postoperatively a strict rehabilitation protocol was followed. The extent and quality of repair tissue was assessed by visual inspection at second look arthroscopy. Results: All patients had chondral lesions confined to the antero-superior aspect of the acetabulum with an associated labral tear. None had diffuse osteoarthritis. The average defect measured 180 mm2 (range 50–300). The mean time interval between primary and revision arthroscopy was 12 months. Excluding one failure the overall percent fill of the defects was 95% (range 75 – 100) with good quality cartilage. Discussion: Only one other series has reported on the macroscopic results of microfracture in the hip. Our series agrees with the results of those authors. These similar results from 2 centres confirm that arthroscopic microfracture is an effective treatment for acetabular chondral lesions in carefully selected patients