Long-Term Results of Osteoarticular Allografts in Weight-Bearing Joints

Abstract

The long-term results of osteoarticular allografts used in weight-bearing joints are not well documented due to a lack of a sufficient number and follow-up of patients in most series. Lexer (1925) reported a 50% failure rate of such grafts [1] with follow-up of approximately 2.5 years. Parrish reported good results in 68% of his 16 patients with an average follow-up of 5 years [2]. We have reviewed a group of 104 patients who had an osteoarticular transplant at the hip or knee with a minimum 3-year follow-up and maximum 16-year follow-up. This study was performed in an attempt to document more clearly the results after transplantation of these grafts and to determine what factors most affected results.