Mid-term results of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis surgery with or without scaffolds for arthroscopic treatment of deep talus osteochondral lesions: A comparative study

Scaffolds for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Last Ten Years Literature

Scaffolds are widely used devices for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT), aimed at enhancing mechanical stability and fostering chondrogenic differentiation. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the safety, and clinical and radiological results of scaffolds for OCLT management. On 2 January 2024, a search was performed in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus), according to PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias in the included studies was also evaluated. Thirty clinical studies were included in the qualitative analysis: 12 retrospective case series, 3 retrospective comparative studies, 9 prospective case series, 1 prospective comparative study, and 1 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Natural scaffolds, such as bilayer collagen (COLL)I/III and hyaluronic scaffolds, were the most employed. Only minor adverse events were observed, even if more serious complications were shown, especially after medial malleolar osteotomy. An overall clinical and radiological improvement was observed after a mean of 36.3 months of follow-up. Patient age and Body Mass Index (BMI), lesion size, and location were correlated with the clinical outcomes, while meta-analysis revealed significant improvement in clinical scores with hyaluronic scaffolds compared to microfracture alone. This study highlights the safety and positive clinical outcomes associated with the use of scaffolds for OCLT. In the few available comparative studies, scaffolds have also demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to microfractures alone. Nevertheless, the analysis has shown the limitations of the current literature, characterized by an overall low quality and scarcity of RCTs.

A comparative analysis of 3D bioprinted gelatin-hyaluronic acid-alginate scaffold and microfracture for the management of osteochondral defects in the rabbit knee joint

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the radiological, biomechanical, and histopathological results of microfracture treatment and osteochondral damage repair treatment with a new scaffold product produced by the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting method containing gelatin-hyaluronic acid-alginate in rabbits with osteochondral damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A new 3D bioprinted scaffold consisting of gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and alginate designed by us was implanted into the osteochondral defect created in the femoral trochlea of 10 rabbits. By randomization, it was determined which side of 10 rabbits would be repaired with a 3D bioprinted scaffold, and microfracture treatment was applied to the other knees of the rabbits. After six months of follow-up, the rabbits were sacrificed. The results of both treatment groups were compared radiologically, biomechanically, and histopathologically.

RESULTS

None of the rabbits experienced any complications. The magnetic resonance imaging evaluation showed that all osteochondral defect areas were integrated with healthy cartilage in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the biomechanical load test (p=0.579). No statistically significant difference was detected in the histological examination using the modified Wakitani scores (p=0.731).

CONCLUSION

Our study results showed that 3D bioprinted scaffolds exhibited comparable radiological, biomechanical, and histological properties to the conventional microfracture technique for osteochondral defect treatment.

Is medial or lateral localization of osteochondral lesions of talus related to foot angles?

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to examine the relationship between foot angles and the presence and localization of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and January 2019, a total of 152 patients with a diagnosis of medial OTLs (95 males, 57 females; mean age: 28.8±6.4 years; range, 18 to 40 years), 51 patients with a diagnosis of lateral OTLs (36 males, 15 females; mean age: 27.1±6.2 years; range, 18 to 39 years), and 114 patients without known foot-ankle trauma as the control group (56 males, 58 females; mean age: 29.0±6.1 years; range, 18 to 40 years) were included. Magnetic resonance imaging and radiographs of each group were analyzed retrospectively. Lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTCA), calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), Böhler angle (BA), and Gissane angle (GA) were measured on the images and the values were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

The CIA had a significant relationship with the localization (p<0.001). It was higher in patients with OLTs and had an effect on localization. The mean CIA was 26.6º±3.9º in the medial OLTs group, 23.0º±3.5º in the lateral OLTs group, and 18.5º±3.6º in the control group. There was a significant difference in the LTCA between the control and OLTs groups (p<0.001). The LTCA was higher in patients with OLTs, but had no effect on localization. The mean LTCA was 41.1º±4.2º for medial OLTs, 41.3º±4.2º for lateral OLTs, and 35.7º±6.8º for the controls. No significant relationship was found for BA and GA among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Factors affecting the localization of OLTs are still not fully understood. However, foot morphology seems to play a role in determining medial or lateral localization. The LTCA is not related to the localization of OLTs; however, an increased LTCA may be related to the occurrence of OLTS. Increased CIA may be related to both OLTS localization and OLTs occurrence.