Revision Lateral Femoral Condyle Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation With the Snowman Technique After Failed Previous Oblong Osteochondral Allograft

Osteochondral allograft transplantation provides components of both cartilage and subchondral bone and can be used in large and multifocal defects where autologous procedures are limited by donor-site morbidity. Osteochondral allograft transplantation is particularly appealing in the management of failed cartilage repair, as larger defects and subchondral bone involvement are often present, and the use of multiple overlapping plugs might be considered. The described technique provides our preoperative workup and reproducible surgical approach for patients who have un- dergone previous osteochondral transplantation with graft failure and are young, active patients who would not be otherwise suited for a knee arthroplasty procedure.

Automated summary

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a viable option for large and multifocal defects where autologous procedures are limited. It is particularly useful in cases of failed cartilage repair with larger defects and involvement of subchondral bone. The described technique provides a preoperative workup and surgical approach for patients who have had previous osteochondral transplantation with graft failure and are not suitable for knee arthroplasty.