Bioabsorbable fixation for knee osteochondral lesions tied to high return to activity among adolescents

Bioabsorbable fixation in managing osteochondral lesions is increasing in popularity. Kendall E. Bradley et al conducted a study to report outcomesof bioabsorbable fixation nails in treatment of osteochondral lesions of the knee in a pediatric and adolescent population. The study has been published in ‘The Knee’ journal.

A retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing surgery with bioabsorbable fixation for knee osteochondral lesions was performed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data was collected including symptom duration, lesion location, size, use of bone grafting, and number of implants. Return to activities was documented. Patients recommended revision surgery were compared to those who were not.

Key findings of the study:

• 47 patients with median age 13.9 years and 25.5% female were included with median clinical follow-up of 47.3 weeks.

• 87.2% of patients were cleared for full activities.

• Four male patients (8.5%) were recommended revision surgery, of whom three underwent surgery including removal of loose bioabsorbable fixation.

• Demographic data did not differ between the group with successful versus failed primary surgery (p > 0.05).