Various techniques for the fixation of unstable osteochondral fragments have been used over the years, each with associated advantages and disadvantages, and differing clinical outcomes. However, the literature on the treatment of this type of injury in the adolescent and young adult population is scarce and involves small case series. Failure to treat these injuries can lead to serious consequences such as chronic pain, residual joint stiffness, and the development of early osteoarthritis, necessitating more invasive and burdensome interventions for the national health system, such as prosthetic replacements or osteotomies.
Due to the lack of real consensus within the scientific community regarding the ideal treatment for these patients and the insufficient medium/long-term follow-up data on the effects of these injuries on articular cartilage in young patients, this study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological conditions of patients undergoing osteochondral fragment fixation using the same surgical technique (fixation with resorbable screws performed arthroscopically or via open surgery depending on the lesion's location) in order to clarify preventive measures against cartilage degeneration following these injuries, which are very common in adolescence.
Patients undergoing surgical fixation of osteochondral fragment using resorbable screw technique, either arthroscopically or via mini-open procedure depending on the lesion's location, from 01/01/2017, and all new patients eligible for this type of intervention until 31/12/2025.
Patients aged between 12 and 35 years at the time of the surgical intervention.
Patients with the presence of osteochondral fragments confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.
Patients with osteochondral lesions observed on imaging and symptoms attributable to the presence of osteochondral fragments.
Patients with concomitant complex ligamentous injuries or fractures at the time of the intervention;
Patients who are no longer reachable;
Women of childbearing age who cannot exclude pregnancy;
Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or patients who are unwilling to sign the informed consent form.
Patients will be recruited from all subjects who have already undergone surgical treatment for fixation of knee osteochondral fragments using resorbable screws since 2017, and all new patients eligible for this type of intervention until 2025 at the Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic II of the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute.
Cohort
Other
Fixation of osteochdral fragments with reabsorbable screws
Procedure/SurgeryArthroscopic or mini-open fixation of free-intrarticular or unstable osteochondral fragments due to osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral fractures with reabsorbable screws
KOOS (Knee Injury and Ostearthritis Outcome Score) score
It represents a subjective score composed of 42 questions divided into 5 main domains. These domains investigate various aspects of symptoms and daily activities as well as the quality of life related to the knee and are divided as follows: * Symptoms, composed of 7 questions, 2 of which pertain to stiffness; * Pain, composed of 9 questions; * Functions and daily activities, composed of 17 questions; * Sports and recreational activities, composed of 5 questions; * Quality of life in relation to the knee, composed of 4 questions. All questions use the same response format, utilizing a quantitative scale ranging from 0 (no issues) to 4 (severe difficulty). Scores are calculated separately for each domain and converted into a percentage score, where 100 represents excellent physical condition with no symptoms and 0 represents severe disability with limitations in daily activities and constant symptoms even at rest.
Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale
The Kujala score is a subjective knee assessment tool that quantifies limitations in daily and sports activities, as well as the presence or absence of symptoms. The questionnaire consists of 13 multiple-choice questions, with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Each question has a variable score from 5 to 10 points and includes 3, 4, or 5 multiple-choice answers. The topics covered by each question include limping, pain, swelling, flexion deficit, and difficulty performing various types of activities. The maximum score of 100 represents no limitations or symptoms; the further the score deviates from 100, the worse the outcome.
International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score
The IKDC score is a subjective knee assessment tool that assesses limitations in daily and sports activities, as well as the presence or absence of symptoms. The IKDC score comprises three main domains: 1. Symptoms, which include pain, stiffness, swelling, and the sensation of locking. 2. Sports and daily activities. 3. Current knee function and function before the injury. The questionnaire consists of 10 questions: * Seven items inquire about the patient's symptoms. * One item focuses on participation in sports. * One item, composed of 9 points, addresses the difficulties the patient experiences in performing daily activities. * The last item measures the current functionality of the knee. Scores range from 0 to 100, where 100 represents the absence of limitations and symptoms. The further the score deviates from 100, the worse the outcome, which can be categorized into four groups: excellent (80-100), good (60-80), fair (30-60), and poor (0-30).
Objective IKDC (IKDC standard evaluation form)
This represents a clinical chart that is completed by the physician following a comprehensive knee examination where various clinical tests are performed to assess for any joint deformities, objective instability, and meniscal injuries. The score obtained determines an objective evaluation grade coded using letters. According to this scale, grade "A" is assigned to a knee with "normal functionality, as healthy," grade "B" is assigned to a knee with "almost normal functionality," grade "C" is assigned to a knee with "moderately abnormal functionality," and grade "D" is assigned to a knee with "severely abnormal functionality."
MARX Activity Rating Scale
The MARX questionnaire is a subjective assessment tool designed to evaluate the activity level of patients with knee disorders who engage in sports. It focuses on four domains of sports activity: running, deceleration, cutting, pivoting. Patients are asked to approximate how many times they have performed each of these activities over the past twelve months. The four knee functions are evaluated on a 5-point frequency scale, and the scores are summed up to a maximum of sixteen points, where a higher score indicates more frequent participation and thus is correlated with a higher knee health status. The MARX questionnaire differs from many other activity measures because it is not based on participation in specific sports activities. Instead, patients are asked about different components of physical function (such as running and pivoting) common to various sports. The aim of this tool is to identify the overall activity level of the patient rather than their most recent activity.
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