THE LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS FOR SEVERE DAMAGE TO WEIGHT-BEARING CARTILAGEIN THE KNEE - A 14-YEAR CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC FOLLOW-UP IN 28 YOUNG ATHLETES

We examined 28 young athletes with isolated severe chondral damage in the weight-bearing area of the knee joint clinically and radiographica lly 14 years after arthroscopic diagnosis. Except for Pridie drilling in 3 cases and occasional cartilage shaving or removal of free bodies, no special treatment was given initially. 21 patients were able to re turn to preinjury team sport activity levels. During the follow-up per iod, only 3 patients needed repeat surgery with removal of free bodies , and another 2 underwent diagnostic arthroscopy because of persistent pain. At the latest follow-up evaluation, 22 patients had excellent o r good knee function. At this time, the patients were mainly involved in individual sports on a physical fitness level. 12 cases had radiogr aphic joint space reduction (< 50%) which was limited to the compartme nt concerned.