Fresh osteochondral allografts: results in the patellofemoral joint.

UNLABELLED: Twenty knees in 18 patients were treated (mean age, 42 years; range, 19-64 years) with fresh osteochondral allografting limited to the patellofemoral joint. The knees were analyzed retrospectively to determine the rate of successful outcomes. The trochlea and patella were treated in 12 patients and the patella was treated in eight patients. There were 11 women and seven men. The primary outcome measures were revision allografting, arthrodesis, or arthroplasty, and clinical scoring using a modified Merle D'Aubigné-Postel 18-point scale. Radiographs were available for 12 knees. There were five failures. For the remaining knees, the clinical scores increased from a mean of 11.7 points (range, 7-15 points) to 16.3 points (range, 12-18 points). Of the knees evaluated radiographically, four had no evidence of patellofemoral arthrosis, and six had only mild arthrosis. Fresh osteochondral allografting is a salvage procedure for the young, active patient with severe articular cartilage disease of the patellofemoral joint. The results of this procedure are comparable to results of described other techniques in the literature. If allograft incorporation does occur, the procedure is associated with improved pain, function, range of motion, and a low risk of progressive arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (case series--no, or historical control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.