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De Marziani L, Boffa A, Andriolo L, Di Martino A, Filardo G, Zaffagnini S. Chitosan-based scaffold augmentation to microfractures: Stable results at mid-term follow-up in patients with patellar cartilage lesions. J Exp Orthop 2024; 11:e12065. [PMID: 38911189 PMCID: PMC11193853 DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patellar cartilage lesions are a frequent and challenging finding in orthopaedic clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate a chitosan-based scaffold's mid-term clinical and imaging results patients with patellar cartilage lesions. Methods Thirteen patients (nine men, four women, 31.3 ± 12.7 years old) were clinically evaluated prospectively at baseline, 12, 24 and at a final minimum follow-up of 60 months (80.2 ± 14.7) with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Tegner scores. A magnetic resonance analysis was performed at the last follow-up using the Magnetic resonance Observation of CArtilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score. Results An overall significant clinical improvement in the scores was observed from baseline to all follow-ups, with stable clinical results from 24 months to the mid-term evaluation. The IKDC subjective score passed from 46.3 ± 20.0 at baseline to 70.1 ± 21.5 at the last follow-up (p = 0.029). Symptoms' duration before surgery negatively correlated with the clinical improvement from baseline to the final follow-up (p = 0.013) and sex influenced the improvement of activity level from the preoperative evaluation to the final follow-up, with better results in men (p = 0.049). In line with the clinical findings, positive results were documented in terms of cartilage repair quality with a mean MOCART 2.0 score of 72.4 ± 12.5. Conclusions Overall, the use of this chitosan-based scaffold provided satisfactory results with a stable clinical improvement up to mid-term follow-up, which should be confirmed by further high-level studies to be considered a suitable surgical option to treat patients affected by patellar cartilage lesions. Level of Evidence Level IV, prospective case series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Marziani
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | | | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR) CenterIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
- Department of Surgery, EOCService of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyLuganoSwitzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical SciencesUniversità della Svizzera ItalianaLuganoSwitzerland
| | - Stefano Zaffagnini
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
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Andriolo L, Marín Fermín T, Chiari Gaggia GMM, Serner A, Kon E, Papakostas E, Massey A, Verdonk P, Filardo G. Knee Cartilage Injuries in Football Players: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport After Surgical Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cartilage 2024:19476035231224951. [PMID: 38651797 DOI: 10.1177/19476035231224951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature and analyze clinical outcomes and return-to-sport after surgical management of cartilage injuries in football players. DESIGN A systematic literature review was performed in August 2023 on PubMed, WebOfScience, and Cochrane Library to collect studies on surgical strategies for cartilage lesions in football players. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the modified Coleman Methodology score and RoB2 and RoBANS2 tools. RESULTS Fifteen studies on 409 football players (86% men, 14% women) were included: nine prospective and two retrospective case series, one randomized controlled trial, one prospective comparative study, one case report, and one survey. Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) techniques were the most documented. The lesion size influenced the treatment choice: debridement was used for small lesions (1.1 cm2), BMS, osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), matrix-assisted autologous chondrocytes transplantation (MACT), and scaffold-augmented BMS for small/mid-size lesions (2.2-3.0 cm2), and autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI) for larger lesions (5.8 cm2). The surgical options yielded different results in terms of clinical outcome and return-to-sport, with fastest recovery for debridement and scaffold-augmented BMS. The current evidence is limited with large methodological quality variation (modified Coleman Methodology score 43.5/100) and a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Decision-making in cartilage injuries seems to privilege early return-to-sport, making debridement and microfractures the most used techniques. The lesion size influences the treatment choice. However, the current evidence is limited. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish a case-based approach to treat cartilage injuries in football players based on the specific patient and lesion characteristics and the treatments' potential in terms of both return-to-sport and long-term results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Andreas Serner
- FIFA Medical, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elizaveta Kon
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrew Massey
- FIFA Medical, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Verdonk
- Aspetar Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- ORTHOCA, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR) Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Gudas R, Staškūnas M, Mačiulaitis J, Gudaitė E, Aleknaite-Dambrauskiene I. Arthroscopic Implantation of a Cell-Free Bilayer Scaffold for the Treatment of Knee Chondral Lesions: A 2-Year Prospective Study. Cartilage 2024:19476035241232061. [PMID: 38501456 DOI: 10.1177/19476035241232061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of a cell-free bilayer scaffold (MaioRegen Chondro+ by Fin-Ceramica) in patients affected by chondral knee lesions of different origin and localization. DESIGN Thirty-one patients with focal chondral lesions of the knee were arthroscopically treated with MaioRegen Chondro+. All patients were prospectively evaluated for a minimum of 2 years using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Questionnaire and the Tegner Activity Scale. Cartilage repair was assessed based on the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score at 12 months. Follow-up at 36 months was available for 25 out of 31 patients. RESULTS From baseline to 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, IKDC score significantly improved by 19.5 ± 7.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.9-22.2, P < 0.001), 30.8 ± 7.63 (95% CI: 28.0-33.6, P < 0.001), and 36.2 ± 8.00 points (95% CI: 33.3-39.2, P < 0.001), respectively. Tegner scores documented a substantial clinical improvement as early as 12 months after surgery (change of -0.6 ± 0.62; 95% CI: -0.8 to -0.4, P < 0.001), reaching the preinjury values. There was a statistically significant increase in the MOCART scores (P < 0.001). Comparable results were observed regardless of preintervention demographic characteristics, lesion site or etiology, or the number of treated sites. Notably, the significant clinical benefit was maintained in a subset of patients who reached 3-year follow-up. No adverse events were reported in the entire analyzed population. CONCLUSION MaioRegen Chondro+ is a safe and effective device for the treatment of knee chondral lesions, enabling a significant clinical improvement for at least 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimtautas Gudas
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas Clinics, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Staškūnas
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas Clinics, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Justinas Mačiulaitis
- Advanced Cell Therapy Unit, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Emilė Gudaitė
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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De Marziani L, Boffa A, Di Martino A, Andriolo L, Reale D, Bernasconi A, Corbo VR, de Caro F, Delcogliano M, di Laura Frattura G, Di Vico G, Manunta AF, Russo A, Filardo G. The reimbursement system can influence the treatment choice and favor joint replacement versus other less invasive solutions in patients affected by osteoarthritis. J Exp Orthop 2023; 10:146. [PMID: 38135778 PMCID: PMC10746689 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-023-00699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess how physicians perceive the role of the reimbursement system and its potential influence in affecting their treatment choice in the management of patients affected by osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS A survey was administered to 283 members of SIAGASCOT (Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper Limb, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies), a National scientific orthopaedic society. The survey presented multiple choice questions on the access allowed by the current Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system to all necessary options to treat patients affected by OA and on the influence toward prosthetic solutions versus other less invasive options. RESULTS Almost 70% of the participants consider that the current DRG system does not allow access to all necessary options to best treat patients affected by OA. More than half of the participants thought that the current DRG system favors the choice of prosthetic solutions (55%) and that it can contribute to the increase in prosthetic implantation at the expense of less invasive solutions (54%). The sub-analyses based on different age groups, professional roles, and places of work allowed to evaluate the response in each specific category, confirming the findings for all investigated aspects. CONCLUSIONS This survey documented that the majority of physicians consider that the reimbursement system can influence the treatment choice when managing OA patients. The current DRG system was perceived as unbalanced in favor of the choice of the prosthetic solution, which could contribute to the increase in prosthetic implantation at the expense of other less invasive options for OA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Marziani
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, Bologna, 1 - 40136, Italy
| | - Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, Bologna, 1 - 40136, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Di Martino
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, Bologna, 1 - 40136, Italy
| | - Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, Bologna, 1 - 40136, Italy
| | - Davide Reale
- Ortopedia e Traumatologia, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Bernasconi
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Department of Public Health, University Federico II of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca de Caro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Istituto Di Cura Città Di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Delcogliano
- Servizio di Ortopedia e Traumatologia dell'Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ticino, Switzerland
| | | | - Giovanni Di Vico
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Clinica San Michele, Maddaloni, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR) Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Jarecki J, Waśko MK, Widuchowski W, Tomczyk-Warunek A, Wójciak M, Sowa I, Blicharski T. Knee Cartilage Lesion Management-Current Trends in Clinical Practice. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6434. [PMID: 37892577 PMCID: PMC10607427 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many patients, particularly those aged above 40, experience knee joint pain, which hampers both sports activities and daily living. Treating isolated chondral and osteochondral defects in the knee poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in younger patients who are not typically recommended partial or total knee arthroplasty as alternatives. Several surgical approaches have been developed to address focal cartilage defects. The treatment strategies are characterized as palliation (e.g., chondroplasty and debridement), repair (e.g., drilling and microfracture), or restoration (e.g., autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and osteochondral allograft). This review offers an overview of the commonly employed clinical methods for treating articular cartilage defects, with a specific focus on the clinical trials conducted in the last decade. Our study reveals that, currently, no single technology fully meets the essential requirements for effective cartilage healing while remaining easily applicable during surgical procedures. Nevertheless, numerous methods are available, and the choice of treatment should consider factors such as the location and size of the cartilage lesion, patient preferences, and whether it is chondral or osteochondral in nature. Promising directions for the future include tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, and the development of pre-formed scaffolds from hyaline cartilage, offering hope for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromir Jarecki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Krzysztof Waśko
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, The Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Widuchowski
- Department of Physiotherapy, The College of Physiotherapy, 50-038 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Tomczyk-Warunek
- Laboratory of Locomotor Systems Research, Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Wójciak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.W.); (I.S.)
| | - Ireneusz Sowa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.W.); (I.S.)
| | - Tomasz Blicharski
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
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Altschuler N, Zaslav KR, Di Matteo B, Sherman SL, Gomoll AH, Hacker SA, Verdonk P, Dulic O, Patrascu JM, Levy AS, Robinson D, Kon E. Aragonite-Based Scaffold Versus Microfracture and Debridement for the Treatment of Knee Chondral and Osteochondral Lesions: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:957-967. [PMID: 36779614 DOI: 10.1177/03635465231151252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesions of the articular cartilage, with or without involvement of the subchondral bone, are a common cause of pain and dysfunction in the knee. Although several treatment options have been developed, the majority of previous clinical trials examined patients with isolated or focal midsized defects, which rarely represent the condition found in the general population. Rather, cartilage lesions are often associated with the presence of mild to moderate osteoarthritic changes. PURPOSE The present multicenter randomized controlled trial compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an aragonite-based osteochondral implant with a control group (arthroscopic debridement/microfractures) in patients affected by joint surface lesions of the knee, including those with concurrent mild to moderate osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS A total of 251 patients were enrolled in 26 medical centers according to the following criteria: age 21 to 75 years, up to 3 cartilage defects of International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade 3a or above located on the femoral condyles and/or trochlea, total treatable area from 1 to 7 cm2, bony defect depth ≤8 mm, and knee osteoarthritis grade 0 to 3 according to Kellgren-Lawrence score. Patients were randomized to the aragonite-based implant or debridement/microfracture control arm in a 2:1 ratio. Evaluation was performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months based on overall Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) as the primary endpoint, and the KOOS subscales (Pain, Quality of Life, Activities of Daily Living), percentage of responders, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score as the secondary endpoints. Patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging evaluation at 12 and 24 months to assess defect fill grade. Failures (ie, need for any secondary treatment) and adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS The implant group showed a statistically superior outcome in the primary endpoint and all secondary endpoints at each follow-up. The magnitude of improvement in the implant group was twice as large as that in the control group in terms of mean KOOS improvement at 2 years. Responder rate (defined as at least a 30-point improvement in overall KOOS) was 77.8% in the implant group as opposed to 33.6% in the control (P < .0001). Statistically superior results were seen in the IKDC score as well. At 24 months, 88.5% of the implanted group had at least 75% defect fill on magnetic resonance imaging as compared with 30.9% of controls (P < .0001). The failure rate was 7.2% for the implant group versus 21.4% for control. CONCLUSION This aragonite-based scaffold was safe and effective in the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee, including patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and provided superior outcomes as compared with the control group. REGISTRATION NCT03299959 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth R Zaslav
- Lennox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health Orthopedic Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Berardo Di Matteo
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Seth L Sherman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Andreas H Gomoll
- Hospital for Special Surgery-Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Scott A Hacker
- Grossmont Orthopedic Medical Group, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Oliver Dulic
- Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad; Department for Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jenel M Patrascu
- Victor Babeş Timisoara University of Medicine and Pharmacy; Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrew S Levy
- Center for Advanced Sports Medicine, Knee and Shoulder, Millburn, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Elizaveta Kon
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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Chitosan based scaffold applied in patellar cartilage lesions showed positive clinical and MRI results at minimum 2 years of follow up. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 31:1714-1722. [PMID: 35678852 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE New scaffold-based cartilage regeneration techniques have been developed to improve the results of microfractures also in complex locations like the patello-femoral joint. The aim of this study was to analyse the results obtained in patellar lesions treated with a bioscaffold, a mixture composed by a chitosan solution, a buffer, and the patient's whole blood which forms a stable clot into the lesion. METHODS Fifteen patients with ICRS grade 3-4 cartilage lesions of the patellar surface were treated with a chitosan bioscaffold. Fourteen patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated prospectively for a minimum follow-up of 2 years with IKDC, KOOS, Tegner score, and MRI. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 31.8 ± 11.9 and nine patients presented degenerative aetiology, four patients with previous trauma, and 1 patient with osteochondritis dissecans. RESULTS: The IKDC subjective score improved from 46.2 ± 19.3 preoperatively to 69.5 ± 20.3 (p < 0.05) and 74.1 ± 23.2 (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Also KOOS Pain, KOOS Sport/Rec and KOOS QOL showed a significant improvement from baseline to 12 months and to the final follow-up. MRI evaluation showed a complete filling of the cartilage defect at the final follow-up in 70% of the lesions, obtaining a total MOCART 2.0 score of 71.5 ± 13.6 at 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION Chondral patellar lesions represent a complex pathology, with lower results compared to other sites. This bioscaffold represents a safe surgical treatment providing a significant clinical improvement at 24 months in the treatment of patellar cartilage lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Franceschini M, Boffa A, Andriolo L, Di Martino A, Zaffagnini S, Filardo G. The 50 most-cited clinical articles in cartilage surgery research: a bibliometric analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 30:1901-1914. [PMID: 35034148 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-021-06834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Articular cartilage lesions remain a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The identification of the most important articles can help identifying the most influential techniques of the past, the current prevalent focus, and emerging strategies. The aim of this study was to identify milestones and trends in cartilage research. METHODS This study is a bibliometric analysis based on published articles. All citation count data included in the "Scopus database" were used to identify eligible studies up to December 2020. The 50 most-cited articles on cartilage surgery were ranked based on the citation count and analyzed regarding citation density and quality (Coleman score and RoB 2.0 tool). A further search was performed to identify the most promising clinical studies among the latest publications on cartilage surgery. RESULTS Different kinds of cartilage treatments were investigated in the 50 most-cited clinical articles. Regenerative techniques with chondrocytes were the most reported with a total of 23 articles, followed by microfracture technique in 17 articles and mosaicplasty or osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) in 11. Forty-five articles focused on the knee. A higher citation density was found in the most recent articles (p = 0.004). The study of the most promising landmarks of the most recent articles showed new cell-free or tissue engineering-based procedures and an overall increasing quality of the published studies. CONCLUSION This bibliometric analysis documented an increasing interest in cartilage surgery, with efforts toward high-quality studies. Over the years, the focus switched from reconstructive toward regenerative techniques, with emerging options including cell-free and tissue-engineering strategies to restore the cartilage surface. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Franceschini
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Di Martino
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Zaffagnini
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR) Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.,Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland.,Facoltà Di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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9
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Irem Demir A, Pulatkan A, Ucan V, Yilmaz B, Tahmasebifar A, Tok OE, Tuncay I, Elmali N, Ozturk BY, Uzer G. Comparison of 3 Cell-Free Matrix Scaffolds Used to Treat Osteochondral Lesions in a Rabbit Model. Am J Sports Med 2022; 50:1399-1408. [PMID: 35354059 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221074292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various cell-free scaffolds are already in use for the treatment of osteochondral defects (OCDs); however, a gold standard material has not yet been defined. PURPOSE This study compared the macroscopic, histological, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characteristics of Chondro-Gide (CG), MaioRegen (MA), and poly-d,l-lactide-co-caprolactone (PLCL) cell-free scaffolds enhanced with small-diameter microfractures (SDMs) for OCDs in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS In total, 54 knees from 27 rabbits were used in this study. Three rabbits were sacrificed at the beginning of the study to form an intact cartilage control group (group IC). An OCD model was created at the center of the trochlea, and SDMs were generated in 24 rabbits. Rabbits with OCDs were divided into 4 groups (n = 12 knees per group) according to the cell-free scaffold applied: CG (group CG), MA (group MA), PLCL (group PLCL), and a control group (group SDM). Half of the rabbits were sacrificed at 1 month after treatment, while the other half were sacrificed at 3 months after treatment. Healed cartilage was evaluated macroscopically (using International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society [ICRS] classification criteria) and histopathologically (using modified O'Driscoll scores and collagen staining). Additionally, cell-free scaffold morphologies were compared using SEM analysis. RESULTS ICRS and modified O'Driscoll classification and staining with collagen type 1 and type 2 demonstrated significant differences among groups at both 1 and 3 months after treatment (P < .05). The histological characteristics of the group IC samples were superior to those of all other groups, except group PLCL, at 3 months after treatment (P < .05). In addition, the histological properties of group PLCL samples were superior to those of group SDM samples at both 1 and 3 months after treatment in terms of the modified O'Driscoll scores and type 1 collagen staining (P < .05). Concerning type 2 collagen staining intensity, the groups were ranked from highest to lowest at 3 months after treatment as follows: group PLCL (30.3 ± 2.6) > group MA (26.6 ± 1.2) > group CG (23.3 ± 2.3) > group SDM (18.9 ± 0.9). CONCLUSION OCDs treated with enhanced SDM using cell-free PLCL scaffolds had superior histopathological and microenvironmental properties, more hyaline cartilage, and more type 2 collagen compared with those treated using CG or MA scaffolds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE OCDs treated with PLCL cell-free scaffolds may have superior histopathological properties and contain more type 2 collagen than do OCDs treated with CG or MA cell-free scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahder Irem Demir
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Beykoz State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anil Pulatkan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vahdet Ucan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bengi Yilmaz
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aydin Tahmasebifar
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Olgu Enis Tok
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medipol University Medical Faculty Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Tuncay
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurzat Elmali
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Gokcer Uzer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Trengove A, Duchi S, Onofrillo C, O'Connell CD, Di Bella C, O'Connor AJ. Microbial Transglutaminase Improves ex vivo Adhesion of Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels to Human Cartilage. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:773673. [PMID: 35047967 PMCID: PMC8757843 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.773673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current surgical techniques to treat articular cartilage defects fail to produce a satisfactory long-term repair of the tissue. Regenerative approaches show promise in their ability to generate hyaline cartilage using biomaterials in combination with stem cells. However, the difficulty of seamlessly integrating the newly generated cartilage with the surrounding tissue remains a likely cause of long-term failure. To begin to address this integration issue, our strategy exploits a biological enzyme (microbial transglutaminase) to effect bioadhesion of a gelatin methacryloyl implant to host tissue. Mechanical characterization of the bioadhesive material shows that enzymatic crosslinking is compatible with photocrosslinking, allowing for a dual-crosslinked system with improved mechanical properties, and a slower degradation rate. Biocompatibility is illustrated with a 3D study of the metabolic activity of encapsulated human adipose derived stem cells. Furthermore, enzymatic crosslinking induced by transglutaminase is not prevented by the presence of cells, as measured by the bulk modulus of the material. Adhesion to human cartilage is demonstrated ex vivo with a significant increase in adhesive strength (5.82 ± 1.4 kPa as compared to 2.87 ± 0.9 kPa, p < 0.01) due to the addition of transglutaminase. For the first time, we have characterized a bioadhesive material composed of microbial transglutaminase and GelMA that can encapsulate cells, be photo crosslinked, and bond to host cartilage, taking a step toward the integration of regenerative implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Trengove
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Serena Duchi
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carmine Onofrillo
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cathal D O'Connell
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Discipline of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia Di Bella
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea J O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Filardo G, Andriolo L, Angele P, Berruto M, Brittberg M, Condello V, Chubinskaya S, de Girolamo L, Di Martino A, Di Matteo B, Gille J, Gobbi A, Lattermann C, Nakamura N, Nehrer S, Peretti GM, Shabshin N, Verdonk P, Zaslav K, Kon E. Scaffolds for Knee Chondral and Osteochondral Defects: Indications for Different Clinical Scenarios. A Consensus Statement. Cartilage 2021; 13:1036S-1046S. [PMID: 31941355 PMCID: PMC8808892 DOI: 10.1177/1947603519894729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop patient-focused consensus guidelines on the indications for the use of scaffolds to address chondral and osteochondral femoral condyle lesions. DESIGN The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) was used to develop patient-specific recommendations by combining the best available scientific evidence with the collective judgement of a panel of experts guided by a core panel and multidisciplinary discussers. A list of specific clinical scenarios was produced regarding adult patients with symptomatic lesions without instability, malalignment, or meniscal deficiency. Each scenario underwent discussion and a 2-round vote on a 9-point Likert-type scale (range 1-3 "inappropriate," 4-6 "uncertain," 7-9 "appropriate"). Scores were pooled to generate expert recommendations. RESULTS Scaffold (chondral vs. osteochondral), patient characteristics (age and sport activity level), and lesion characteristics (etiology, size, and the presence of osteoarthritis [OA]) were considered to define 144 scenarios. The use of scaffold-based procedures was considered appropriate in all cases of chondral or osteochondral lesions when joints are not affected by OA, while OA joints presented more controversial results. The analysis of the evaluated factors showed a different weight in influencing treatment appropriateness: the presence of OA influenced 58.3% of the indications, while etiology, size, and age were discriminating factors in 54.2%, 29.2%, and 16.7% of recommendations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The consensus identified indications still requiring investigation, but also the convergence of the experts in several scenarios defined appropriate or inappropriate, which could support decision making in the daily clinical practice, guiding the use of scaffold-based procedures for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral knee defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Filardo
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR)
Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2,
IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy,Luca Andriolo, Clinica Ortopedica e
Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Di Barbiano, 1/10,
Bologna 40136, Italy.
| | - Peter Angele
- Clinic for Trauma and Reconstructive
Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Bayern, Germany,Sporthopaedicum Regensburg, Regensburg,
Germany
| | - Massimo Berruto
- UOS Knee SURGERY-1st University Clinic
of Orthopaedics, ASST Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - Mats Brittberg
- Cartilage Research Unit, University of
Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Halland Orthopaedics, Kungsbacka
Hospital, Kungsbacka, Sweden
| | - Vincenzo Condello
- Joint Preservation and Reconstructive
Surgery and Sports Medicine Unit, Humanitas Castelli Clinic, Bergamo, Lombardy,
Italy
| | - Susan Chubinskaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Orthopedic
Surgery & Medicine (Section of Rheumatology), Rush University Medical Center,
Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura de Girolamo
- Orthopaedic Biotechnology Laboratory,
IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Martino
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2,
IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Berardo Di Matteo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy,Humanitas Clinical and Research
Center- IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano - Milan, Italy
| | - Justus Gille
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic
Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck,
Germany
| | - Alberto Gobbi
- Orthopaedic Arthroscopic Surgery
International (OASI) Bioresearch Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lattermann
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Division of Sports Medicine, Center for Cartilage Repair, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norimasa Nakamura
- Institute for Medical Science in
Sports, Osaka Health Science University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Stefan Nehrer
- Center for Regenerative Medicine,
Danube University, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Giuseppe M. Peretti
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi,
Milan, Italy,Department of Biomedical Sciences for
Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nogah Shabshin
- Department of Radiology, Emek Medical
Center, Clalit Healthcare Services, Afula, Israel,Department of Radiology, PennMedicine,
Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Verdonk
- ORTHOCA, AZ Monica Hospitals, Antwerp,
Belgium,Aspetar Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kenneth Zaslav
- Ortho Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Elizaveta Kon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy,Humanitas Clinical and Research
Center- IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano - Milan, Italy,Department of Traumatology,
Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery, First Moscow State Medical University of the
Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian
Federation
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12
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Boffa A, Solaro L, Poggi A, Andriolo L, Reale D, Di Martino A. Multi-layer cell-free scaffolds for osteochondral defects of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical evidence. J Exp Orthop 2021; 8:56. [PMID: 34331140 PMCID: PMC8324705 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-021-00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical results provided by multi-layer cell-free scaffolds for the treatment of knee osteochondral defects. Methods A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane to identify studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of cell-free osteochondral scaffolds for knee lesions. A meta-analysis was performed on articles reporting results of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores. The scores were analyzed as improvement from baseline to 1, 2, and ≥ 3 years of follow-up. The modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the study methodology. Results A total of 34 studies (1022 patients) with a mean follow-up of 35 months was included. Only three osteochondral scaffolds have been investigated in clinical trials: while TruFit® has been withdrawn from the market for the questionable results, the analysis of MaioRegen and Agili-C™ provided clinical improvements at 1, 2, and ≥ 3 years of follow-up (all significantly higher than the baseline, p < 0.05), although with a limited recovery of the sport-activity level. A low rate of adverse events and an overall failure rate of 7.0% were observed, but the overall evidence level of the available studies is limited. Conclusions Multi-layer scaffolds may provide clinical benefits for the treatment of knee osteochondral lesions at short- and mid-term follow-up and with a low number of failures, although the sport-activity level obtained seems to be limited. Further research with high-level studies is needed to confirm the role of multi-layer scaffold for the treatment of knee osteochondral lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Solaro
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Poggi
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Reale
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Martino
- Clinica Ortopedica E Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Giulio Cesare Pupilli, 1 - 40136, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Andriolo L, Di Martino A, Altamura SA, Boffa A, Poggi A, Busacca M, Zaffagnini S, Filardo G. Matrix-assisted chondrocyte transplantation with bone grafting for knee osteochondritis dissecans: stable results at 12 years. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2021; 29:1830-1840. [PMID: 32809120 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To document clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) combined with bone grafting for the treatment of knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) at long-term follow-up. METHODS Thirty-one knees in 29 patients (20.4 ± 5.7 years) were treated for symptomatic unfixable OCD lesions (2.6 ± 1.1 cm2) and prospectively evaluated at 2, 5, and 12 years (average, minimum 10 years). Patients were evaluated over time with IKDC subjective score, EQ-VAS, and Tegner scores. Failures were also documented. At the final follow-up, MRI evaluation was performed in 14 knees with the MOCART 2.0 score. RESULTS Beside 4 early failures, an overall clinical improvement was documented: the IKDC subjective score improved from 39.9 ± 16.8 to 82.1 ± 17.0 and 84.8 ± 17.2 at 2 and 5 years, respectively (p < 0.0005), and remained stable for up to 12 years (85.0 ± 20.2). EQ-VAS and Tegner scores presented similar trends, but patients did not reach their original activity level. Worse results were obtained for lesions bigger than 4 cm2. At MRI evaluation, subchondral bone abnormalities were detected in over 85% of knees at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic bone grafting followed by MACT for unfixable knee OCD can offer a promising and stable clinical outcome over time in lesions smaller than 4 cm2, with a low failure rate of 13%. Persistent subchondral alterations were documented at long-term MRI evaluation, suggesting the limits of this approach to regenerate the osteochondral unit in patients affected by knee OCD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Andriolo
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Martino
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sante Alessandro Altamura
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alberto Poggi
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Busacca
- Centro di Riferimento di Radiologia in Attività di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Zaffagnini
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli, 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Applied and Translational Research (ATR) Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.,Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
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14
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Autologous chondrocytes versus filtered bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for knee cartilage repair-a prospective study. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2020; 45:931-939. [PMID: 32712785 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-020-04727-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To document clinical, radiologic, and cellular data of a prospective patient series treated by a tri-layer collagen-hydroxyapatite biomimetic osteochondral scaffold (CHAS) intra-operatively seeded with cultivated autologous chondrocytes (AC) or with filtered bone marrow stem/stromal cells (fBMSC) to address chronic osteochondral knee lesions. METHODS Thirty-six consecutive patients (15 to 59 years) with chronic osteochondral lesions (1.8-10 cm2) in the condylar or patellofemoral knee surfaces were enrolled. Lesions were covered with CHAS fixed with a fibrin glue. The superficial layer of CHAS was intra-operatively injected with active cells: in initial five patients, ACs were put directly onto dry CHAS (dry-AC); next, eight AC patients had CHAS moistened with cell culture media (media-AC), while the tourniquet was released allowing blood soaking of CHAS in the rest (14 blood-AC, 9 blood-fBMSC). Seventeen (50%) patients required different concomitant procedures. All patients were followed for serious adverse events (SAE) or graft failures; clinical, radiographic, and MRI evaluation was conducted. Cellular data on the injected cells were assessed. RESULTS At a follow-up of 39 months (16-81), 17 patients required an additional surgical intervention: seven graft-related SAE (early post-operative synovitis and/or arthrofibrosis) were registered (3 dry-AC, 3 media-AC, 1 blood-fBMSC). There were two graft failures (1 dry-AC, 1 blood-fBMSC) for secondary reasons. All clinical scores significantly improved from pre- to post-operative values: IKCD subjective 44 to 65; IKDC examination (9/17/5/5) to (20/10/5/1); KOOS (P61/S59/ADL67/Sp32/QoL31) to (P79/S75/ADL84/Sp55/QoL51); Tegner activity scale 3.3 to 4.4. There was evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis progression-Kellgren-Lawrence 1.0 to 1.5. MOCART scores at the final follow-up averaged 71 (10 to 95). Graft-type analysis demonstrated an increased rate of graft-related SAE in dry-AC and media-AC, but their final outcomes were equivalent. Cellular data of AC at the implantation were as follows: cells in suspension 9.2 × 106, viability 95%. In blood-fBMSC group, a cell suspension with 87% viability was injected, which contained 1156 CFU-Fs. CONCLUSION CHAS with intra-operative seeding of active cells, either AC or fBMSC, led to an overall successful outcome for the treatment of chronic osteochondral lesions in the knee. Blood soaking of CHAS in situ before cell seeding significantly decreased early post-operative adverse events, such as synovitis and arthrofibrosis.
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15
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Boffa A, Previtali D, Altamura SA, Zaffagnini S, Candrian C, Filardo G. Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation to Microfracture Provides a Limited Benefit for the Treatment of Cartilage Lesions: A Meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med 2020; 8:2325967120910504. [PMID: 32341925 PMCID: PMC7175068 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120910504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Microfracture is the most common first-line option for the treatment of small chondral lesions, although increasing evidence shows that the clinical benefit of microfracture decreases over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested as an effective biological augmentation to improve clinical outcomes after microfracture. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical evidence regarding the application of PRP, documenting safety and efficacy of this augmentation technique to improve microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost database, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of PRP augmentation to microfracture. A meta-analysis was performed on articles that reported results for visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Risk of bias was documented through use of the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions assessment tools. The quality assessment was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Results: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis: 4 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective comparative studies, and 1 retrospective comparative study, for a total of 234 patients. Of the 7 studies included, 4 studies evaluated the effects of PRP treatment in the knee, and 3 studies evaluated effects in the ankle. The analysis of all scores showed a difference favoring PRP treatment in knees (VAS, P = .002 and P < .001 at 12 and 24 months, respectively; IKDC, P < .001 at both follow-up points) and ankles (both VAS and AOFAS, P < .001 at 12 months). The improvement offered by PRP did not reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Conclusion: PRP provided an improvement to microfracture in knees and ankles at short-term follow-up. However, this improvement did not reach the MCID, and thus it was not clinically perceivable by the patients. Moreover, the overall low evidence and the paucity of high-level studies indicate further research is needed to confirm the potential of PRP augmentation to microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Boffa
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Previtali
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefano Zaffagnini
- Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Stefano Zaffagnini, MD, Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy ()
| | - Christian Candrian
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Applied and Translational Research Center, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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