Long Term Outcome of an Osteochondral Defect of the Knee treated with SaluCartilage™ Implant

Keywords:

Osteochondral lesions, artificial cartilage repair, osteoarthritis, fibrous repair, knee pain


Published online: Aug 12 2025

https://doi.org/10.52628/91.1.041025

A. RUZICKA1, R.ARORA1, L. A. HOLZER1,2

1 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
2 Sonderkrankenanstalt für Orthopädie Warmbad-Villach, Villach, Austria

Abstract

Osteochondral Defects of the knee joint are a common diagnosis. We report a case in which such a lesion was treated by using a polyvinylalcohol cylinder (SaluCartilage™, SaluMedica, Atlanta, USA) presented with increasing complaints 22 years after implantation. During workup the cylinder was shown to be completely dislodged from its implant site. Despite these findings, the patient remained mobile and active. Arthroscopic extraction of the cylinder and inspection of the joint was performed, which revealed fibrous repair of the lesion. During follow up, the patient reported minor discomfort on activity, but is satisfied with the outcome.

ActaOrthopBelg-90-1-Cover

About this issue

Volume 91, issue 1.

Mar 2025.

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