An autologous graft from the lateral facet of the patella was used to
repair a large osteochondral defect of the weight-bearing surface of the
femoral condyle in ten patients who were then followed for an average of
six and one-half years (range, four to nine years). Function was improved
and symptoms were alleviated in all of the patients. Four patients had mild
pain in the anterior part of the knee and two patients had a flexion
deformity, which was 5 degrees in one and 10 degrees in the other. Small
osteophytes developed laterally in five of the patients; three of the five
had pain in the anterior part of the knee and two had a mild lateral
patellar tilt.