Long-Term Results after Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A 10-Year Cohort Study.

Objective: A gold standard surgical treatment for osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus still needs to be established. Still, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a commonly applied 1-stage procedure that has achieved good short- and mid-term results. The present cohort study aimed to assess whether the long-term, 10-year results can confirm the previous findings.

Design: All patients underwent an open AMIC procedure using a collagen type I/III bilayer matrix for a talar OCL. General demographic data, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings, intraoperative details, and German version of the Foot Function Index (FFI-D) scores preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 10 years as well as European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) and American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at 10 years after surgery were analyzed. The primary outcome variable was the procedure's longitudinal effect, and several variables' influence on the outcome was tested.

Results: Of 47 consecutive patients, 18 (38%) were included. Of the 18 patients, 6 (33%) were female, and 12 (67%) were male, with a mean age of 39 ± 15 (range = 15-62) and an average body mass index (BMI) of 26 ± 5 (range = 20-38) kg/m². The mean defect size was 1.4 ± 0.9 (range = 0.2-4) cm². The FFI-D total score showed a significant decrease from preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively (56 ± 19 to 34 ± 27; P = 0.001) with a further nonsignificant decrease to the 5-year (34 ± 27 to 21 ± 20; P = 0.16) and 10-year follow-up (21 ± 20 to 15 ± 13; P = 1.00). All the single items decreased significantly from preoperatively to the 5- and 10-year mark. Although not significant, most items improved from 5 to 10 years postoperatively. Age positively correlated with the preoperative, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up FFI-D total score.

Conclusions: AMIC, as a single-step surgical intervention, is a viable long-term treatment option. Patient selection regarding symptoms and findings is vital to achieve satisfying results.