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Treatment of deep articular talus lesions by matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation—results at five years

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Abstract

Purpose

Treatment of focal full-thickness chondral or osteochondral defects of the talus remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative success and the long-term efficacy of matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation in these defects.

Methods

Matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) was applied in 22 consecutive patients (mean age 23.9 years) with full-thickness chondral or osteochondral lesions of the talus. The average defect-size was 1.94 cm² (range 1–6). In case of osteochondritis dissecans (n = 13) an autologous bone graft was performed simultaneously. Follow-ups were routinely scheduled up to 63.5 (±7.4) months, consisting of clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The AOFAS score improved significantly from 70.1 to 87.9/92.6/93.5/95.0/95.5 and 95.3 points at three, six, 12, 24, 36 and 63.5 months, respectively. On a visual analogue scale, pain intensity decreased from 5.7 (±2.6) to 0.9 (±0.8) while subjective function increased from 5.3 (±2.3) to 8.9 (±0.9) at final follow-up (each p < 0.001). The Tegner score rose significantly from 2.4 (±1.2) to 4.7 (±0.6). The MOCART score improved from 62.6 (±19.4) at three months to 83.8 (±9.4) at final follow-up. No significant differences were found between lesions caused by osteochondritis dissecans or trauma and between first- or second-line treatments. For all scores, the most benefit was seen within the first 12 months with stable results afterwards. No major complications were noted.

Conclusions

Matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation is capable of significant and stable long-term improvement of pain and functional impairment caused by focal full-thickness chondral and osteochondral talus lesions.

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Conflict of interest

One of the authors has declared a potential conflict of interest: Genzyme Biosurgery provided reimbursement for educational activities (S.A.). The authors did not receive any financial support for the development and preparation of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Sven Anders, Juergen Goetz, Joachim Grifka & Jens Schaumburger

  2. Institute for Pathology, Speyer, Germany

    Thomas Schubert

Authors
  1. Sven Anders
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  2. Juergen Goetz
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  3. Thomas Schubert
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  4. Joachim Grifka
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  5. Jens Schaumburger
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Correspondence to Sven Anders.

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Anders, S., Goetz, J., Schubert, T. et al. Treatment of deep articular talus lesions by matrix associated autologous chondrocyte implantation—results at five years. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 36, 2279–2285 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-012-1635-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-012-1635-1

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