Mikel L. Reilingh

Osteochondral defects in the ankle: why painful?

Osteochondral defects of the ankle can either heal and remain asymptomatic or progress to deep ankle pain on weight bearing and formation of subchondral bone cysts. The development of a symptomatic OD depends on various factors, including the damage and insufficient repair of the subchondral bone plate. The ankle joint has a high congruency. During loading, compressed cartilage forces its water into the microfractured subchondral bone, leading to a localized high increased flow and pressure of fluid in the subchondral bone. This will result in local osteolysis and can explain the slow development of a subchondral cyst. The pain does not arise from the cartilage lesion, but is most probably caused by repetitive high fluid pressure during walking, which results in stimulation of the highly innervated subchondral bone underneath the cartilage defect. Understanding the natural history of osteochondral defects could lead to the development of strategies for preventing progressive joint damage.

The role of pressurized fluid in subchondral bone cyst growth

Pressurized fluid has been proposed to play an important role in subchondral bone cyst development. However, the exact mechanism remains speculative. We used an established computational mechanoregulated bone adaptation model to investigate two hypotheses: 1) pressurized fluid causes cyst growth through altered bone tissue loading conditions, 2) pressurized fluid causes cyst growth through osteocyte death. In a 2D finite element model of bone microarchitecture, a marrow cavity was filled with fluid to resemble a cyst. Subsequently, the fluid was pressurized, or osteocyte death was simulated, or both. Rather than increasing the load, which was the prevailing hypothesis, pressurized fluid decreased the load on the surrounding bone, thereby leading to net bone resorption and growth of the cavity. In this scenario an irregularly shaped cavity developed which became rounded and obtained a rim of sclerotic bone after removal of the pressurized fluid. This indicates that cyst development may occur in a step-wise manner. In the simulations of osteocyte death, cavity growth also occurred, and the cavity immediately obtained a rounded shape and a sclerotic rim. Combining both mechanisms increased the growth rate of the cavity. In conclusion, both stress-shielding by pressurized fluid, and osteocyte death may cause cyst growth. In vivo observations of pressurized cyst fluid, dead osteocytes, and different appearances of cysts similar to our simulation results support the idea that both mechanisms can simultaneously play a role in the development and growth of subchondral bone cysts.

Injection Techniques of Platelet-Rich Plasma into and around the Achilles Tendon a Cadaveric Study

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used to treat (Achilles) tendinopathies. Platelet-rich plasma has been injected at different locations, but the feasibility of PRP injections and the distribution after injection have not been studied. Purpose To evaluate (1) the feasibility of ultrasound-guided PRP injections into the Achilles tendon (AT) and in the area between the paratenon and the AT and (2) the distribution of PRP after injection into the AT and in the area between the paratenon and AT. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Fifteen cadaveric lower limbs were injected under ultrasound guidance with Indian blue–dyed PRP. Five injections were placed into the AT at the midportion level; 5 injections were located anterior between the paratenon and AT and 5 posterior between the paratenon and AT. The limbs were anatomically dissected and evaluated for the presence and distribution of PRP. Results All injections into the AT showed PRP infiltration in the AT as well as in the area between the paratenon and AT (median craniocaudal spread, 100 mm; range, 75-110 mm); 1 of 5 limbs showed PRP leakage into the Kager fat pad after AT injection. All anterior and posterior injections showed PRP infiltration in the area between the paratenon and AT (median, 100 mm; range, 75-150 mm). The AT was infiltrated with PRP after 3 of 10 paratenon injections. Conclusion The “AT” and “paratenon” injections under ultrasound guidance proved to be accurate. Injections into the AT showed distribution of PRP into the AT as well as in the area between the paratenon and AT. All injections between the paratenon and AT showed PRP distribution in that area, as well as in the Kager fat pad. Clinical Relevance Different PRP injection techniques were evaluated. This aids in the optimization of PRP injections in the treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy.

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Return to Sports after Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture of Osteochondral Talar Defects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial

Background: Osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the talus usually affect athletic patients. The primary surgical treatment consists of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture. Various possibilities have been suggested to improve the recovery process after debridement and microfracture. A potential solution to obtain this goal is the application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), which stimulate the repair process of bone and cartilage. Hypothesis: The use of PEMFs after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of an OCD of the talus leads to earlier resumption of sports and an increased number of patients that resume sports. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 68 patients were randomized to receive either PEMFs (n = 36) or placebo (n = 32) after arthroscopic treatment of an OCD of the talus. The primary outcomes (ie, the number of patients who resumed sports and time to resumption of sports) were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves as well as Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and log-rank tests. Secondary functional outcomes were assessed with questionnaires (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, EuroQol, and numeric rating scales for pain and satisfaction) at multiple time points up to 1-year follow-up. To assess bone repair, computed tomography scans were obtained at 2 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Results: Almost all outcome measures improved significantly in both groups. The percentage of sport resumption (PEMF, 79%; placebo, 80%; P = .95) and median time to sport resumption (PEMF, 17 weeks; placebo, 16 weeks; P = .69) did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Likewise, there were no significant between-group differences with regard to the secondary functional outcomes and the computed tomography results. Conclusion: PEMF does not lead to a higher percentage of patients who resume sports or to earlier resumption of sports after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of talar OCDs. Furthermore, no differences were found in bone repair between groups. Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR1636.

Clinical Tip: Aiming Probe for a Precise Medial Malleolar Osteotomy

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields After Debridement and Microfracture of Osteochondral Talar Defects: Response

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Osteochondral Allograft: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Osteochondral Allograft” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 15 statements on osteochondral allograft reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support and 14 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 85% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with osteochondral allograft as a treatment strategy for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Fixation Techniques: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Fixation Techniques” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 15 statements on fixation techniques reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. All 15 statements achieved strong consensus, with at least 82% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with using fixation techniques in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Revision and Salvage Management: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article was to report on the consensus statements on “Revision and Salvage Management” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 8 statements on revision and salvage management reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support and 7 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 85% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with revision and salvage management in the cartilage repair of the ankle.

Subchondral Pathology: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Subchondral Pathology” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 9 statements on subchondral pathology reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. No statements achieved unanimous support, but all statements reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 81% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus statements regarding subchondral pathology of the talus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians in the assessment and management of this difficult pathology.