The Development of a Size and Shape Matching Index for Osteochondral Allografts

Abstract

The outcome of osteochondral allograft joint reconstruction procedures is dependent upon many factors, not least of which is the selection of a graft of the proper size and shape to fit the recipient site. Graft bones have traditionally been chosen by visual inspection of radiographs of the recipient site and donor bones. Because it is unlikely that anyone bone bank or consortium of bone banks will have a bone of identical geometry to that of the recipient, it is important to identify the geometric parameters in the bone that most significantly affect the biomechanical performance of the joint and to weight these parameters according to their significance so that the optimal grafts can be chosen.