Clinical Outcomes and Long-term Survivorship After Osteochondral Autologous Transfer Combined With Valgus High Tibial Osteotomy: An Analysis After 19 Years With 56 Patients.

backgroundOsteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle combined with varus malalignment in young and active patients are a debilitating condition, which can result in early osteoarthritis. Osteochondral autologous transfer (OAT) combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) might therefore be a comprehensive solution to maintain long-term knee function. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to report clinical results and survivorship after combined OAT and valgus HTO for symptomatic osteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle in the setting of varus malalignment at a long-term follow-up. It was hypothesized that undergoing combined OAT and valgus HTO would produce favorable clinical results along with a low rate of conversion to arthroplasty. STUDY

designCase series; Level of evidence, 4.

methodsAll patients treated between 1998 and 2008 with combined valgus HTO and OAT for deep osteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle and concomitant varus malalignment >2° without meniscal repair/transplantation, osteoarthritis, or ligamentous instability/reconstruction were included. The survival rates of this combined procedure were evaluated. Failure was defined as conversion to knee joint arthroplasty during the follow-up period. Patient-reported outcomes were collected pre- and postoperatively, including the Lysholm score, visual analog scale score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Scale score, and subjective level of satisfaction (scale 0-10).

resultsOf 74 patients who were included for 10-year follow-up, 3 had died. A total of 15 patients were lost to follow-up, so 56 patients could be reevaluated, for a follow-up rate of nearly 80%. The mean age at surgery was 38.8 ± 9.9 years (range, 19.9-62.4 years), and the mean follow-up time was 18.9 ± 3.0 years (median, 18.8 years; range, 14.1-24.8 years). The survival rates were 87% at 10 years, 86% at 15 years, and 77% at 19 years after surgery. At final follow-up, the Lysholm score showed a mean increase of 39 points (95% CI, 25.4-50.0 points;

conclusionThe combination of OAT and valgus HTO presents a viable treatment option for patients affected by osteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle and concurrent varus malalignment. A sustained and substantial improvement in clinical outcomes, significantly reduced pain severity, and a high rate of long-term survivorship can be anticipated in the long-term follow-up.