[Results of SaluCartilage implantation for stage IV chondral defects in the knee joint area].
OBJECTIVE
This prospective report presents SaluCartilage hydrogel implants, an alternative therapy option in the treatment of chondral defects.


METHODS
For the prospective study between October 2002 and July 2003, 18 patients suffering from stage IV chondral defects received 49 hydrogel implants and were subsequently examined by means of clinical, radiological, and magnetic resonance imaging assessment. The knee function was classified using the McDermott score.


RESULTS
The average McDermott score was improved to 75 points (p<0.05) after 3 months postoperatively and to 80 points (p<0.05) 6 months postoperatively, but after 12 months it decreased to 69 points. After 3 and 6 months, the MRI showed in all patients that there was fluid around the hydrogel implants without dislocation. After 12 months postoperatively the hydrogel implants had been destroyed in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The short-term results showed subjective and objective improvement of the medical conditions probably because of the placeholder function. This alternative should be critically discussed because of the inadequate connection to the bone with risk of dislocation.
Lange
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, Greifswald.
Follak
N
N
Nowotny
T
T
Merk
H
H
D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome