Management of big osteochondral defects of the knee using osteochondral allografts with the MEGA-OATS technique.

Treatment of osteochondral defects in weight-bearing areas of the knee, especially when they are sizeable and involve considerable subchondral bone loss, is a challenging problem. We report our experience on the use of osteochondral allografts with the MEGA-OATS technique in the management of large osteochondral defects of the knee in young patients. Five patients (3 male and 2 female) were included in this study; their age ranged from 22 to 41 years and the mean size of the defect covered was 30 x 30 mm. They were followed for a minimum of 2.5 years (mean: 32.8 months, range 30-36). An age- and size-matched fresh frozen, non-irradiated distal femoral allograft was used to obtain the donor plug, which was then inserted in the recipient area in a press-fit fashion. Patients' Lysholm knee score increased from 37.8 pre-operatively to 73.8 post-operatively. Tegner activity score increased in all five patients; it improved from a mean of 2 pre-operatively (range 1-3) to 4 post-operatively (range 2-7). Four out of five patients returned to work and three went back to sporting activities. With this technique one can cover sizeable osteochondral defects, and compensate for significant subchondral bone loss, while accurate reconstruction of the curvature of the femoral condyle is allowed. We believe that it is a viable salvage option in young patients with big osteochondral defects of the knee. It offers very satisfactory functional results and does not compromise patients' future options.