The transfer of the posterior femoral condyle - first results of a salvageoperation

In this study large osteochondral defects on the weight-bearing surface of the medial and lateral femoral condyle were treated by transplantation of t he autologous posterior condyle in 20 patients. The cartilage defects, type Outerbridge IV, ranged in size from 2 x 1,5 cm to 5 x 3,5 cm. 8 condyle tr ansfers were done from 1984-1996 at the orthopaedic clinic of the universit y of Balgrist, Zurich. 12 condyle transfers at the department of orthopedic sports medicine at the technical university of Munich from 1996-1998. Pati ents were operated before the condyle transfer, 2 times on average. In 9 pa tients a high tibial osteotomy was performed simultaneously. Clinical evalu ation was done according to the Lysholm score. The Lysholm score improved i n the patient serie from 1996 from preoperatively 62 (54-81) points to post operatively 85 (74-95) points. The follow-up was on average 9,8 (2-26) mont hs. 18 patients reported about pain relief, 2 patients didn't improve. We d escribe the operative technique. Despite the tack of long-term results the transfer of the autologous posterior condyle seems to be an effective alter native for the knee prosthesis, especially for young patients with a great cartilage damage in the weight bearing area.