Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of a combined synthetic scaffold and autogenous tissue graft procedure for articular cartilage repair in the knee

Abstract Background Injuries to the articular cartilage of the knee often fail to heal properly due to the hypocellular and avascular nature of this tissue. Subsequent disability can limit participation in sports and decrease quality of life. Subchondral bone perforations are used for the treatment of small defects. Filling out the central portion in larger lesions becomes difficult, and scaffolds can be used as adjuvants, providing a matrix onto which the defect can be filled in completely. Also, autogenous cartilage grafts can be combined, acting as an inducer and improving healing quality, all in a single procedure. Methods This observational study evaluated the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee undergoing repair via a microfracture technique combined with a synthetic scaffold and autogenous cartilage graft, with transosseous sutures and fibrin glue fixation, at 12 months of follow-up. Secondarily, it assessed whether combined procedures, previous surgical intervention, traumatic aetiology, lesion location, and age affect outcomes. The sample consisted of adult patients (age 18–66 years) with symptoms consistent with chondral or osteochondral lesions, isolated or multiple, ICRS grade III/IV, 2–12 cm2 in size. Patients with corrected angular deviations or instabilities were included. Those with BMI > 40 kg/m2, prior total or subtotal (> 30%) meniscectomy, second-look procedures, and follow-up 45 years had a negative impact on outcomes.