Young adults with osteochondral lesions of the femoral head are at risk of rapid progression to symptomatic arthritis of the hip joint. Between January 2008 and July 2009, 10 patients were treated for femoral cartilage damage by a osteochondral mosaicplasty of the femoral head through a trochanteric flap with dislocation of the hip. The consecutive series had the following exclusion criteria: acetabular chondropathy, age above 25 years, and femoral head osteonecrosis. Patients were followed up after surgery using the Oxford-12 score, Harris hip score and the Merle d'Aubigné score, and activity assessed by the UCLA and Devane scores. Radiological evaluation by computed tomographic (CT) arthrography was undertaken in all patients at 6 months and plain radiographs. Mean follow-up was 29.2 months (20-39 months). The Postel Merle d'Aubigné score improved from the pre-operative period to the latest follow-up, from 10.5 points (8-13) to 15.5 points (12-17). Global range of motion increased from 175.4° (140-215) to 210.7° (175-240). All radiological investigations at latest follow-up showed that the autograft plugs were well-incorporated at the site of osteochondroplasty in the femoral head with intact cartilage over them and smooth interfaces between articulating bony surfaces. Osteochondral autograft transplantation may be a new alternative option for osteochondral lesions of the femoral head, but this has to be confirmed with longer follow-up and in a larger number of patients. The results of similar surgery in the knee have been mixed, and in the hip the technique is demanding, requiring familiarity with surgical hip dislocation.

Background:Minimally invasive surgery has gained popularity over the past several years. Early results have shown better functional outcome with early recovery and rapid rehabilitation.Aim:Evaluation of the short-term clinical and functional outcome of minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty (MIS-TKA) compared with the traditional total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Materials and Methods:During 2009, all cases scheduled for primary TKA through the modified mini-mid-vastus approach (MIS group) were studied. This group included 40 knees and was compared to a cohort control group of similar number of patients (40 knees) that underwent the procedure through the standard conventional technique (standard group).Results:Patients in the MIS group showed significant decrease in postoperative pain, blood loss in first 24 hours, and in hospital stay. Furthermore, they achieved motion considerably faster than the standard group with earlier return of quadriceps function and greater early flexion.Conclusion:This study proved that MIS-TPA has the ability to couple the benefits of less invasive surgical approach.