Subchondral Insufficiency Fractures of the Knee: A Clinical Narrative Review.

JBJS Rev · Oct 01 2023 · Review

Musbahi O, Waddell L, Shah N, Smith SE, Chen AF, Bisson L, et al.

Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's…

Orthopaedic Trauma

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis narrative review covers diagnosis (MRI over radiographs), high rate of associated meniscal pathology, and management gaps for subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee, calling for better-quality outcome studies.
Abstract, as published

» Subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee (SIFKs) are subchondral plate fractures with a prevalence of 2% to 4% of all knee injuries.» Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for evaluating SIFK, while plain radiographs have limited the use in the diagnosis of SIFK.» Among patients with SIFK, 50% to 100% have meniscal pathology.» Medical therapies and standard treatments traditionally used in the management of knee osteoarthritis differ from recommended management of SIFK patients.» Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine the optimal rehabilitation protocol, interventional therapy, and prognosis of SIFK patients.

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