[Fixation of Osteochondral Lesions of the Knee Using MAGNEZIX Implants in Pediatric Patients: Midterm Clinical and MRI Results].

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Fixation of osteochondral fragments is a relatively common procedure in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. This study analyzes clinical and MRI results of biodegradable MAGNEZIX® magnesium alloy implants used to fix osteochondral knee lesions in pediatric patients.

Material and methods: 18 pediatric patients with unstable or displaced OCD lesions or osteochondral fractures were treated with MAGNEZIX® screws or pins. Clinical examinations were conducted at regular intervals, and the final clinical and MRI assessments were performed 24 months after surgery.

Results: The overall functional scores at 24 months were found to be good, with a VAS score of 1.22 points ± 1.83, Lysholm score of 87.61 points ± 11.31, and IKDC score of 76.94 points ± 10.85 for both groups. On MRI, 14 patients (77.78%) showed complete union, four patients (22.22%) showed incomplete union, and none of the patients experienced healing failure. Complete implant absorption was examined in eight patients (44.44%) on MRI. Most patients exhibited varying degrees of chondropathy, and one patient required reoperation due to screw breakage and migration.

Conclusions: The use of MAGNEZIX® implants in the treatment of pediatric osteochondral fractures and OCD lesions has shown good clinical outcomes and favorable healing of osteochondral lesions. However, varying degrees of chondropathy have been observed in most cases.