Utility of Computed Tomography Arthrograms in Evaluating Osteochondral Allograft Transplants of the Distal Femur

Postsurgical evaluation of osteochondral allograft transplant surgery (OATS) of the distal femur most commonly utilizes radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging. This article proposes the utilization of computed tomography (CT) arthrography as an additional option, which allows clear assessment of articular congruity and osseous integration. A retrospective review was performed of 18 patients who underwent an OATS for distal femoral chondral lesions and obtained CT arthrograms postoperatively. CT arthrograms were evaluated for osseous integration and articular congruity. The average age and follow-up were 30.9 years and 4.3 years, respectively. Only 60% of patients were able to remain in the military postoperatively. The articular cartilage was smooth in eight (44.4%); complete bony integration was noted in eight (44.4%) patients. Neither articular congruity nor bony integration was associated with duty status at final follow-up. Although it allows excellent evaluation, similar to other modalities, CT arthrogram does not appear predictive of functional outcome. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic
Advances 24(2):111–114, 2015) Key words: allograft, arthrogram, cartilage, computed tomography, femur, osteochondral transplant