Microfracture and Hydrogel Scaffolds for the Treatment of Osteochondral Injuries of the Knee: Clinical Results at 4 Years Follow-Up.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of microfracture technique and novel hydrogel scaffold for the treatment of osteochondral injuries of the knee. Forty-one patients affected by grade III and IV osteochondral lesions were treated between 2014 and 2015 with microfractures followed by the injection of a hydrogel scaffold into the defect. All patients have been evaluated pre-operatively, at 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 4 years postoperatively (WOMAC and VAS scores). The initial total WOMAC score was reduced by 83% at 6 months, 90% at 12 months and 87% at 4 years. The initial VAS score was reduced by 78% at 6 months, 82% at 12 months and 83% at 4 years. All the scores, including total and sub-scores, statistically improved in all followups compared to preoperative data. Our results showed an improvement of clinical outcomes and pain after the microfractures technique has been combined with the use of a hydrogel scaffold, which have been maintained at 4 years follow-up.