Autologous osteochondral transplantation for focal femoral condyle defects: Comparison of mosaicplasty by arthrotomy vs. arthroscopy

BACKGROUND: While many studies have reported the outcomes of open mosaicplasty, data on arthroscopic mosaicplasty are scarce. Only two cadaver studies have compared arthrotomy and arthroscopy. Moreover, the patello-femoral joint, which is the main donor site, has never been assessed using a specific functional score. The objective of this in vivo study was to compare arthrotomy and arthroscopy for mosaicplasty using both a global functional knee score and a specific score of the patello-femoral joint.HYPOTHESIS: The arthroscopic technique results in better functional patello-femoral outcomes.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared two groups of 17 patients who underwent mosaicplasty for focal condylar cartilage defects, at our department between 2009 and 2019. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Kujala score and the Lysholm score, at least 1 year after surgery. The return to sports was assessed using the Tegner score.RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 67.4±15.9 months in the arthrotomy group and 45.2±35.1 months in the arthroscopy group (