Evaluation of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Fixation of Osteochondral Fragments With Reasorbable Screws in the Knee Joint

Phase

N/A

Condition

Musculoskeletal Diseases

Bone Diseases

Treatment

Fixation of osteochdral fragments with reabsorbable screws

Clinical Study ID

NCT06462040

OC-FIX

Ages 12-35
All Genders

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients undergoing surgical fixation of osteochondral fragment using resorbablescrew technique, either arthroscopically or via mini-open procedure depending on thelesion's location, from 01/01/2017, and all new patients eligible for this type ofintervention 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 magneticresonance imaging.
Patients with osteochondral lesions observed on imaging and symptoms attributable tothe presence of osteochondral fragments.
Patients diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans or recent contusion/sprain trauma.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with concomitant complex ligamentous injuries or fractures at the time ofthe 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 tosign the informed consent form.

Study Design