Treatment of articular cartilage defects in athletes: an analysis of functional outcome and lesion appearance.
This article characterizes chondral injuries and reviews the results of microfracture treatment in high-level competitive and recreational athletes. Thirty-eight high-level and 140 recreational athletes completed functional questionnaires preoperatively and yearly postoperatively, recording symptoms, function, and activity level. Second-look arthroscopy tapes were available in 26 high-level and 54 recreational athletes. The mean follow-up for the high-level athletes was 3.7 +/- 1.4 years. Chondral defects averaged 223 +/- 180 mm2. Lesion size and follow-up were not significantly different in the recreational group. Functional questionnaire responses demonstrated significant improvements from the time of microfracture to final follow-up. Improvement in function and symptoms was similar for the competitive and recreational athletes.
Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131-5296, USA.
F T
FT
Blevins
J R
JR
Steadman
J J
JJ
Rodrigo
J
J
Silliman
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome