Osteo-Chondral Allograft Cartilage Reconstruction

Knee Reconstruction using Osteochondral Allografts

Allografting or, to give its full name, ‘fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA)’ is an operation in which a damaged or diseased area of a joint is reconstructed using a bone and articular cartilage transplant. The cartilage cells can survive the transplantation only if the tissue is ‘fresh’, which means it has not been exposed to radiation or prolonged freezing.

OCA was pioneered at the beginning of the 20th century, and has had a long and successful history. It is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for large injuries caused by trauma, osteochondritis dissecans (growth abnormality of bone and joint), and bone death (osteonecrosis) resulting from lack of blood flow to the bone supporting the joint cartilage.

The scientific basis of OCA is the transplantation of fully developed or mature hyaline (joint) cartilage containing living cartilage cells (‘chondrocytes’) that survive the transplant and support the production of the cartilage matrix indefinitely. Theoretically, this maintains the tissue balance (‘homeostasis’) of the joint cartilage. Studies have shown chondrocytes living as long as 29 years after transplant. The graft often includes a portion of bone to help restore missing bone.

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• Attachment -  Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics : Knee Reconstruction using Osteochondral Allografts
• Authors: Consultant Surgeons Mr Tim Spalding, Mr Pete Thompson, Mr Andy Metcalfe, UHCW NHS Trust
• Contact email: via Desdimina Rai, Secretary to Mr Tim Spalding, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
• Tel: 024 7696 5098, Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Document History
• Author Mr Tim Spalding, Mr Pete Thompson, Mr Andy Metcalfe
• Department Trauma & Orthopaedics
• Contact Tel No 024 7696 5098
• Published December 2017
• Review December 2019
• Version 1
• Reference No HIC/LFT/2192/17

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• Attachment - Osteochondral Grafting post operative rehabilitation