[Autologous transfer of the posterior femoral condyle for large osteochondral lesions of the knee: 5-year results of the Mega-OATS technique].
BACKGROUND
Large osteochondral defects of the weight-bearing zones of the femoral condyles in young and active patients were treated by autologous transfer of the posterior femoral condyle. This technique is a salvage procedure and aims at pain-free mobility of patients.


METHODS
Between July 1999 and December 2000, 18 patients were operated on. Sixteen patients were evaluated using the Lysholm score. X-rays were done, and eight individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. The average age at the date of surgery was 37.4 (15-59) years, and the mean follow-up time was 55.2 (46-62) months. The mean defect size was 5.4 cm(2) (3.1-7.1). Trauma or osteochondrosis dissecans was pathogenetic in 81%.


RESULTS
The Lysholm score showed a significant (p=0.001) increase from a preoperative median of 65.0 to a postoperative median of 86.0 points. Fifteen patients returned to sport activities. X-rays showed a rounding of the osteotomy edge in 12 patients and a partial bone-dense remodelling of the posterior femoral condyle in 11 patients. All MRI examinations showed vital and congruent grafts.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, the procedure is recommended for treating large and deep focal osteochondral lesions in the weight-bearing zone of the femoral condyle.
Abteilung für Sportorthopädie, KlinikumRechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Connollystrasse 32, 80809, München, Deutschland. PhilippMinzlaff@gmx.de
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Minzlaff
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Braun
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Haller
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Wörtler
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Imhoff
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Der autologe Transfer der posterioren Femurkondyle bei ausgedehnten osteochondralen Schäden des Knies : 5-Jahres-Ergebnisse der Mega-OATS-Technik.