Evaluation of subsidence, chondrocyte survival and graft incorporation following autologous osteochondral transplantation

Abstract

In this animal model, subsidence tendency was significantly lower after 'bottomed' versus 'unbottomed' osteochondral transplants on gross appearance, whereas for histological scoring no significant differences were encountered. Since the clinical outcome may be negatively influenced by subsidence, the use of 'bottomed' grafts is recommended for osteochondral transplantation in patients.