Abstract
Background
Focal articular lesions of the knee can be treated using several different techniques
with generally good results, but failures are difficult to manage. Focal articular
surface replacement (FASR) using metal implants could be a promising technique that
allows defect geometry matching, congruency restoration and defect propagation prevention.
Methods
132 patients were included who underwent FASR between January 2009 and December 2013.
Three different implants were used: 1. HemiCAP®; 2. UniCAP® and 3. HemiCAP® PF Classic
for trochlear lesions. Primary outcome parameter was knee function assessed by Western
Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score with a 4-year
follow-up, secondary outcomes included survivorship and complications. Statistical
analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism.
Results
For all 132 surgeries combined (102 HemiCAP®, 11 UniCAP® and 19 HemiCAP® PF Classic
implants), WOMAC scores significantly improved from 6 weeks onward until the end of
the study (p < 0.001 for all time points). 4-year survival rate was 97.7%, and a re-operation
rate of 12.1% was found. The HemiCAP® group revealed a slower WOMAC improvement in
patients aged ≥40 years, combined with a trend towards lower final WOMAC scores and
a higher re-operation rate in patients with a BMI ≥ 25.
Conclusions
This report shows good to excellent clinical results of FASR as a salvage procedure
after failed cartilage repair, with a low re-operation rate and a high survival of
97.7% at 4-year follow-up. Although longer follow-up is required, this could be a
valuable treatment option in these challenging cases, without limiting future options
for surgical interventions when deemed necessary.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 18, 2021
Accepted:
January 9,
2021
Received in revised form:
December 27,
2020
Received:
May 29,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
