to evaluate the radial displacement of meniscal allograft transplants (MATs) in patients operated with an open technique vs. an arthroscopic technique at 1 year postoperatively. Radial displacement or extrusion of the graft is frequently observed after meniscus transplantation. The hypothesis is that arthroscopically inserted MATs extrude less than open MATs and therefore have a more intra-articular position than open surgery transplants. 39 patients were included in the study: the first group of open surgery transplants consisted of 16 patients (10 lateral, 6 medial). The second group of arthroscopic transplants consisted of 21 patients (14 lateral, 7 medial). MR-images were taken one year post-surgery. The displacement, evaluated on 1,5T MR coronal images, was defined as the distance between the tibial plateau and the outer edge of the meniscus.Purpose
Materials and Methods
There is growing evidence in literature that meniscal allograft transplantation performed with the right indications results in significant pain relief and functional improvement of the involved joint. Long-term data on clinical and radiological outcome are however scarce. We evaluated 89 transplants (53 lateral and 36 medial) in 87 patients. Mean time of follow-up was 15,5 ± 2,85 years (range 9,9–20,4), mean age at surgery was 35,2 years (range 22–50). Clinically, the patients were evaluated using a KOOS, SF-36, HSS, VAS, Tegner and Lysholm score. HSS scores were compared to pre-operative and mid-term follow-up data. Each patient received radiographs (AP, profile and Rosenberg view). Radiological outcome parameters were joint space width narrowing and Fairbank changes and were scored according to IKDC. Failures were defined as patients who were converted to an arthroplasty.Background
Methods
The present study was designed to evaluate the implantation of alginate beads containing human mature allogenic chondrocytes for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects in the knee. A biodegradable, alginate-based biocompatible scaffold containing human mature allogenic chondrocytes was used for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee. Twenty-one patients were clinically prospectively evaluated with use of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow-up.Aim
Methods
to evaluate the kinematics of a knee with a polyurethane meniscal scaffold for partial meniscus defect substitution during flexion under weightbearing conditions in an upright MRI. In addition, radial displacement and the surface of the scaffold was compared to the normal meniscus. One cadaver with a normal lateral meniscus and medial scaffold in the left knee and with a normal medial meniscus and lateral scaffold in the right knee. The scaffolds were implanted to substitute a 3 cm meniscus defect in the posterior horn. The cadaver was scanned in an 0,7T open MRI with a range of motion from 0-30-60-90 to hyperflexion. Kinematics were evaluated on sagittal images by the following two parameters: the position of the femoral condyle, identified by the centre of its posterior circular surface, which is named the flexion facet centre (FFC), and the point of closest approximation between the femoral and tibial subchondral plates, the contact point (CP). Both were identified in relation to the posterior tibial cortex. The displacement, measured on coronal images, is defined as the distance between the tibial plateau and the outer edge of the meniscus. The surface was also measured on coronal slices and contains the triangular surface of the meniscus.Purpose
Materials and Methods