Assessment of Fresh Homologous Osteochondral Transplantation in Knees as a Salvage Treatment: A Prospective Case Series with a Minimum Follow-up Period of 10 Months.

The present study evaluated the clinical outcomes and satisfaction of patients undergoing fresh homologous osteochondral transplantation in the knee as a salvage method.  We analyzed eight knees from seven male patients who underwent fresh homologous osteochondral transplantation by a single surgeon. Their follow-up period ranged from 10 months to 5 years and 5 months. Clinical outcomes included the scores on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and on the quality-of-life item of the Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-QoL).  The sample consisted of complex cases since all operated knees had undergone previous surgeries. Functional improvement was variable, with six out of the seven operated patients showing statistically significant clinical improvement according to the IKDC score, and a single patient reported being moderately satisfied with the procedure. The quality-of-life item from the KOOS score improved in all patients. There was no failure, need for reintervention, or infection.  Fresh homologous osteochondral transplantation is a safe salvage method in our setting to treat large lesions and those with failed previous procedures. Despite the small sample of this case series, most clinical outcomes were positive and had no complications.