Comparison of Juvenile Allogenous Articular Cartilage and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Versus Microfracture With and Without Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Arthroscopic Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and radiographic outcomes of patients who received juvenile allogenic chondrocyte implantation with autologous bone marrow aspirate (JACI-BMAC) for treatment of talar osteochondral lesions with those of patients who underwent microfracture (MF).

METHODS

A total of 30 patients who underwent MF and 20 who received DeNovo NT for JACI-BMAC treatment between 2006 and 2014 were included. Additionally, 17 MF patients received supplemental BMAC treatment. Retrospective chart review was performed and functional outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Visual Analog pain scale. Postoperative magnetic resonance images were reviewed and evaluated using a modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Tissue (MOCART) score. Average follow-up for functional outcomes was 30.9 months (range, 12-79 months). Radiographically, average follow-up was 28.1 months (range, 12-97 months).

RESULTS

Both the MF and JACI-BMAC showed significant pre- to postoperative improvements in all Foot and Ankle Outcome Score subscales. Visual Analog Scale scores also showed improvement in both groups, but only reached a level of statistical significance ( P < .05) in the MF group. There were no significant differences in patient reported outcomes between groups. Average osteochondral lesion diameter was significantly larger in JACI-BMAC patients compared to MF patients, but size difference had no significant impact on outcomes. Both groups produced reparative tissue that exhibited a fibrocartilage composition. The JACI-BMAC group had more patients with hypertrophy exhibited on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) than the MF group ( P = .009).

CONCLUSION

JACI-BMAC and MF resulted in improved functional outcomes. However, while the majority of patients improved, functional outcomes and quality of repair tissue were still not normal. Based on our results, lesions repaired with DeNovo NT allograft still appeared fibrocartilaginous on MRI and did not result in significant functional gains as compared to MF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative series.