Cartilage repair strategies in the knee according to Dutch Orthopedic Surgeons: a survey study

Abstract

Background This study surveyed Dutch orthopedic surgeons on the management of cartilage defects in the knee and the adherence to the recently updated Dutch knee cartilage repair consensus statement (DCS). Methods A web-based survey was sent to 192 Dutch knee specialists. Results The response rate was 60%. Microfracture, debridement and osteochondral autografts are performed by the majority, 93%, 70% and 27% of respondents, respectively. Complex techniques are used by < 7%. Microfracture is mainly considered in defects 1–2 cm2 (by > 80%) but also in 2–3 cm2 (by > 40%). Concomitant procedures, e.g., malalignment corrections, are performed by 89%. Twenty-one percent of surgeons treat patients aged 40–60 years. Microfracture, debridement and autologous chondrocyte implantation are not considered to be highly affected by age > 40 years by any of the respondents (0–3%). Moreover, for the middle-aged there is a large spread in treatments considered. In case of loose bodies, the majority (84%) only performs refixation in the presence of attached bone. Conclusion Small cartilage defects in ideal patients may be well treated by general orthopedic surgeons. The matter becomes complicated in older patients, or in case of larger defects or malalignment. The current study reveals some knowledge gaps for these more complex patients. Referral to tertiary centers might be indicated, as is stated by the DCS, and this centralization should enhance knee joint preservation. Since the data from present study are subjective, registration of all separate cartilage repair cases should fuel objective analysis of clinical practice and adherence to the DCS in the future.

Costal chondrocyte‐derived pellet‐type scaffold‐free autologous chondrocyte implantation provided acceptable mid‐term outcomes in osteochondral defects with up to 10‐mm depth

“…Osteochondral autograft transfer is one such traditional procedure, which efectively treats OD [4]. However, it cannot be used for the treatment of large lesions, and the rate of donor site morbidity is considerable [1,6,9]. Minced cartilage ACI has shown promising short-term results for treating OD; however, there are concerns that the number of retrieved chondrocytes is not multiplied and chondrocyte migration is limited [15,17].…”

“…The median age and the body mass index were 36.5 years (range 20-55) and 26.4 kg/m 2 (21.7-32), respectively. The median size and the depth of the OD lesion were 4.25 cm 2 (range 2-6) and 7.0 mm (6)(7)(8)(9), respectively. The lesion was located in the medial and the lateral femoral condyles in six and four cases, respectively.…”