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Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoral Condyle Chondral Lesions: Microfracture Versus Liquid Bioscaffold

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare the microfracture (MF) technique with the bioscaffold solution application (BST-CarGel) in treating femoral chondral lesions.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients ages 18–45 with isolated single femoral condyle full-thickness (ICRS grade 3–4) chondral lesions were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as MF applied (Group I = 21) and bioscaffold combined with MF (Group II = 17). The visual analog scale (VAS), Western-Ontario, and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were used in clinical evaluation. The location, size, and depth of lesions were evaluated with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was used for postoperative evaluation.

Results

The mean age was 32.5 (range 19–44) years. Mean follow-up was 14.9 months (range 12–24). Lesion size was 3 cm2 in group I and 2.9 cm2 in group II. There were no differences between groups regarding demographic characteristics but BMI (Body Mass Index) was lower in group II which was significant. The duration of surgery was longer in group II (p < 0.001). Postoperative statistical significant improvements were found in WOMAC and VAS scores in groups, but there was no statistical difference. Although there was no significant radiological difference in the group II according to the MOCART score, higher scores were obtained compared to group I.

Conclusion

No difference was found, clinical and radiological, in terms of short-term outcomes. MF is a method to be applied as a primary treatment with its cost-effective, simple and short surgery technique, and effective clinical results up to 4 cm2.

Level of Evidence

Level III: retrospective comparative study.

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Data Availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey

    Tahir Ozturk, Omer Bozduman, Mehmet Burtac Eren & Eyup Cagatay Zengin

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Cesme Alpercizgenakat State Hospital, 35930, Cesme, Izmir, Turkey

    Firat Erpala

  3. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Turhal State Hospital, Tokat, Turkey

    Mete Gedikbas

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Correspondence to Firat Erpala.

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The authors whose names are listed immediately below certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Ethical Standard Statement

This article does not contain any studies involving animals performed by any of the authors. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was carried out after the approval of the local ethics committee (Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Clinical Research Ethics Committee).

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Ozturk, T., Erpala, F., Bozduman, O. et al. Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoral Condyle Chondral Lesions: Microfracture Versus Liquid Bioscaffold. JOIO 57, 975–982 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-023-00878-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-023-00878-7

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