Long-term (10-25 years) outcomes of knee osteochondral autologous transplantation in soccer players

Abstract

Objective: Osteochondral lesions in the knee can occur in a high percentage of soccer players. Untreated, symptomatic osteochondral lesions can lead to reduced athletic performance, early career-ending, and the premature onset of knee osteoarthritis. One of the treatment options is osteochondral autologous transplantation with the mosaicplasty technique. The study aims to investigate the long-term outcomes of the procedure in the athletic population. Design: In a single-center retrospective study, the long-term outcomes of knee mosaicplasty procedures in soccer players between 1992 and 2011 were investigated. Using International Knee Documentation Committee and Bandi score to evaluate the knee function, Tegner score to measure activity, and MOCART 2.0 score to describe cartilage surface. Players' skill level was divided into professional, competitive, and recreational groups. Results: Fifty-five out of 73 soccer players were included; 25 had MRI at the last follow-up control. The average follow-up time was 17,54 years (10,32-24,91). The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score was 68.52 ± 16.01 (33-87), MOCART was 70.8 ± 18.12 (25-95), and 80% of the patient had a good Bandi score. The mean size of the defects was 2,08 cm2 ± 1,19 (1-5 cm2) and overall return to sport time was 7,78 ± 2,96 (4-12) months. Conclusion: The knee mosaicplasty procedure has a good long-term result, with no significant decrease in functional scores compared to other studies even after 20 years from the surgery. Therefore, osteochondral autologous transplantation is a reasonable option for soccer players with small to medium-sized osteochondral lesions in the knee.

Keywords

• Follow-up
• knee
• Long-term
• Mocart
• Mosaicplasty
• Soccer