The modern technique of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for treating isolated femoral condyle lesions offers patients better results over other cartilage repair procedures, noted Luís E. Tírico, MD, who is currently with the University of Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil and served as the research fellow and lead author on the presentation under Dr. William Bugbee, Director of Clinical Research and Head of the Scripps Cartilage Restoration and Transplant Program at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA.
Isolated femoral condyle lesions account for 75% of the cartilage repair procedures performed in the knee joint, and physicians have a variety of techniques to consider as part of surgical treatment. The findings of the study are presented today at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Specialty Day in New Orleans.
Meniscal Tears
Meniscal tear is a common knee injury. Meniscal tear can occur in anyone but the injury is more common among athletes.
"Our study demonstrated that the modern OCA transplantation technique, which utilizes thin, dowel type grafts, was very effective in treating patients with femoral condyle cartilage lesions,". "In 200 cases, we noted an 89% satisfaction rate with those treated by this method, along with significant improvements in clinical scores and a low graft failure rate," said Tírico.
Knee Replacement Surgery - Surgical Procedure
Knee replacement surgery is performed for osteoarthritis and other conditions that severely affect the knee joint. Knee replacement is of two types - partial and total.
"These results appear to be equal or superior to any other cartilage repair procedure for the treatment of femoral condyle lesions and leads us to consider whether fresh OCA should be viewed as the current gold standard in cartilage repair for focal femoral condyle lesions," commented Tírico.
Source: Eurekalert
Structured Exercise Therapy as Effective as Surgery for Knee Injury
Middle aged patients with degenerative meniscal tear and no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis should consider supervised structured exercise therapy.
 Study of Knee Cartilage Repair Technique Shows Improvement in Patient OutcomesA study by researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery reveals that a natural tissue graft can spur regeneration of cartilage and improve symptoms in patients who have cartilage damage in their knee. | Advertisement
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