Osteoarticular autograft and allograft transplantation of the knee: 3 year follow-up.

Between 1998 and 2001, a total of 48 patients underwent autologous or allograft osteoarticular transplantation with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Nineteen patients underwent concomitant procedures. Average patient age was 46 years. Graft area averaged 4.8 cm2 (range, 0.2-21.6 cm(2)). Grafts implanted included 24 autografts, 12 refrigerated allografts, and 12 frozen allografts. Average follow-up was 37.1 months (range, 24-63 months). Postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and pain scores improved significantly. Age <35 years and male gender was associated with a positive outcome. There was no significant difference in improvement between autograft and allograft groups. Nine patients, considered failures, underwent total knee arthroplasty and data analysis. No significant relationship was noted for any variable. Eighty-one percent of grafts are still functioning >3 years after transplantation.