[Mid-term clinical and MRI results after refixation of osteochondral fractures with resorbable implants].
OBJECTIVE
Refixation of osteochondral fractures with resorbable implants is a common surgical treatment. There are almost no studies that prove good clinical outcomes. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the mid-term results after refixation of osteochondral fractures.


METHODS
The results of 12 patients were recorded 6.5 (±1) years after refixation of osteochondral fractures measuring 3.4 cm (2) (±2.5) of the knee (8 ×) or the ankle joint (4 ×) with resorbable inplants. Clinical scores and a modified MRI score based on that of Henderson et al. were used.


RESULTS
The clinical scores showed good to excellent results after 6.5 (±1) years (VAS pain: 1.9 [±2.4], Tegner: 5.0 [±1.7], Lysholm: 84.8 [±14.3], McDermott: 91.3 [±7.9], Knee Society: 189.4 [±12.1]). MRI showed with one exception good integration of the fractures. In 3 cases subchondral cysts could be found. In 7 cases changes in the chondral outline occurred. The effect of this was a modified Henderson score of 12.6 (±3.7). The MRI results did not correlate with the clinical outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of its good clinical results the refixation with resorbable implants can be recommended to treat osteochondral fractures.
Abteilung für Unfallchirurgie, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen. martin.wachowski@web
M M
MM
Wachowski
T
T
Floerkemeier
P
P
Balcarek
T A
TA
Walde
J P
JP
Schüttrumpf
S
S
Frosch
H
H
Dathe
A
A
Kertesz
K M
KM
Stürmer
K-H
KH
Frosch
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult