Use of autologous grafts for reconstruction of osteochondral defects of the knee.

This study reports on 13 patients (mean age: 31 years) with a femoral condyle defect >1.5 cm2 who underwent treatment with an osteochondral graft of the same size obtained from the superior aspect of the lateral condyle, preserving the patellar groove. Mean follow-up was 61.5 months (range: 13-141 months). Twelve results were rated clinically as satisfactory with patients able to resume their normal pre-injury level of activity, and 1 case was rated as poor. No patient reported any patellar problems. Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation demonstrated good integration of the graft in the host bone. The results of this technique at relatively long-term follow-up are encouraging, with a high percentage of subjective satisfaction. This technique appears to be reliable and provides a valid solution for treatment of wide cartilage defects when other techniques are too complex or inadequate.