Evaluation of regenerated cartilage using T2 mapping methods after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with microfracture at the cartilage defect: a preliminary study

• Published in: Journal of experimental orthopaedics 2021-10, Vol.8 (1), p.91-91, Article 91
• Main Authors: Iida, Ken, Hashimoto, Yusuke, Nishida, Yohei, Yamasaki, Shinya, Nakamura, Hiroaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cartilage; Cartilage regeneration; High tibial osteotomy; Knee; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Opening wedge; Original Paper; Orthopedics; Surgery; Surgical Orthopedics; T2 mapping
• ISSN: 2197-1153; 2197-1153
• DOI: 10.1186/s40634-021-00413-3

Purpose This study evaluated the regenerated cartilage after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) with concomitant microfracture by second-look arthroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping. It was hypothesised that cartilage regeneration can be achieved by HTO, but the quality of regenerated cartilage is not normal cartilage. Methods OWHTO was performed in eight knees of seven patients (mean age, 57.6 ± 5.2 years). Microfracture for the cartilage defect was performed followed by OWHTO, and second-look arthroscopy was performed at the time of plate removal (14.1 ± 4.5 months after OWHTO). MRI was assessed at three months and one year after surgery. The status of articular cartilage regeneration was assessed by the ICRS grade, MOCART score and T2 value. Results The number of subjects in ICRS grade 1/2/3/4 changed significantly from 0/0/4/4 preoperatively to 0/2/6/0 postoperatively in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) ( P