Purpose: The goal of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix repair system.

Type of study: Prospective case series.

Methods: 83 meniscal repairs with the FasT-Fix meniscal repair system in 80 patients with a mean age of 29 years were performed between 2001 and 2004. Concurrent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was performed in 70% of the cases. All tears were longitudinal and located in the red/red or red/white zone. Criteria for clinical success included absence of joint line tenderness, locking, swelling, and a negative McMurray test. Clinical evaluation included also the Lyscholm knee score, and KT-1000 arthrometry.

Results: The average follow-up was 38 months (range, 24–61 months). Six of 83 repaired menisci (7.23%) were considered failures according to our criteria. Therefore, the success rate was 92.77%. Time required for meniscal repair averaged 15 minutes. Postoperatively, the majority of the patients had no restrictions in sports activities. 92% had an excellent or good result according to the Lysholm knee score. Four patients had a restriction of knee joint motion postoperatively, and an arthroscopic arthrolysis was performed in one of them. Analysis showed that, age, length of tear, simultaneous ACL reconstruction, chronicity of injury, and location of tear did not affect the clinical outcome.

Conclusions: Our results, shows that arthroscopic meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix repair system provides a high rate of meniscus healing and offers reduction of both the risk of serious neurovascular complications and operative time.

Aim of study: Comparison of clinical and radiological results of the applied methods.

Material and method: 20 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the talus were treated. Autologous chondrocyte transplantation was applied to a group of 10 patients (Group A) and autologous osteochondral transplantation to the rest 10 patients (Group B).Group A: Average-age=30,8 years, -follow up time= 33,6 (12–48) months, -lesion size= 20×16,2 (35–15 × 25–15) mm and depth =7 (20–5) mmGroup B: Average –age =33, 7 years, follow up time =32,4 (12–48) months, – lesion size=16,5×15 (25–10 × 20–10) mm and depth=4 (5–3) mm.All patients underwent clinical und radiological investigation and the symptoms were classified in accordance with the Finsen classification. Group A was treated with autologous chondrocyte and Group B with autologous osteochondral transplantation. Osteotomy of the medial or lateral malleolus was necessary by 6 Group A – patients and 4 Group B – patients. Postoperative treatment : Non-weight bearing for 6 weeks, continuous passive motion of the joint, clinical and radiological follow up 3rd, 6th, 12th and yearly basis

Results: Postoperatively the average Finsen score showed for Group A an improvement from 3,5 (very bad) to 1,1 (excellent) and for Group B from 3,6 (very bad) to 1 (excellent). MRI follow up showed defect coverage by 7 patients of Group A and 9 patients of Group B after 12 months. Second look arthroscopy was performed by 4 patient of Group A and 3 patients of Group B showing full coverage of the defect site. Complications: persisting swelling for an average time of 2,7 months in Group A and 4,3 months in Group B. Additionally 10 degrees loss of joint extension in 4 patients of Group A and 3 patients of Group B.

Conclusion: Autologous chondrocyte transplantation as well as autologous osteochondral transplantation present very good clinical results. As methods of articular surface restoration they have their advantages and disadvantages playing an important role in chosing one of them, in combination always with the surgeons philosophy. The existence of these methods is important in influencing the course of the ankle joint towards a good prognosis, in cases of osteochondral lesion. Further investigation is necessary.