Polymethylmethacrylate fixation of osteochondral fragments in dog knees.

The usefulness of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to secure small osteochondral fragments was investigated in canine knees. Small osteochondral free fragments were osteotomized from the medial femoral condyle of 16 dog knees. The fragments were then bonded back in place with various amounts of PMMA. After 13 months, the animals were killed and each knee was examined for healing and arthritis. All of the fragments revascularized and healed. Poor reduction and PMMA extending to the articular surface universally led to arthritis. Small localized spot bonds of PMMA seemed to yield better results than large amounts of surface attachments.