Autogenous osteochondral grafts for osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle.

PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term outcome following use of osteochondral autografts for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle. METHODS Clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic findings were evaluated at follow-up. Patients were 14 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 64.9 years (range, 58-74 years). The osteochondral lesion was equivalent to Lotke 1-B in 12 knees, and was equivalent to 1-C in 4 knees. Preoperative femoral tibia angle ranged from 178 degrees to 190 degrees. RESULTS The follow-up period ranged from 28 months to 111 months (mean, 67 months). Functional scores improved from 60 to 75 preoperatively to 80 to 100 postoperatively, and the grafts were satisfactorily accepted. Patients with a femoral tibia angle of less than 180 degrees in particular were found to respond favourably. CONCLUSION Transplant surgery using osteochondral autografting appeared effective for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral condyle.