TY - JOUR A1 - Heinz, Tizian A1 - Eidmann, Annette A1 - Anderson, Philip A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel A1 - Jakuscheit, Axel A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Stratos, Ioannis T1 - Trends in computer-assisted surgery for total knee arthroplasty in Germany: an analysis based on the operative procedure classification system between 2010 to 2021 JF - Journal of Clinical Medicine N2 - Alignment strategies for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have changed significantly over time with a shift towards a more individualized alignment goal. At the same time, computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has gained interest for intraoperative control and accuracy in implant positioning and limb alignment. Despite the often discussed benefits and drawbacks of robotics and navigation for TKA, the routine use of these new devices on a day-to-day basis remains obscure. Therefore, nationwide hospital billing data based on the Operation Procedure Classification System (OPS) were retrieved from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany for the period from 2010 to 2021. OPS codes for primary total knee arthroplasty (OPS code: 5-822*) were further analyzed regarding the usage of computer navigation (additional OPS code: 5-988) or robotic devices (additional OPS code: 5-987). Gender and age at the time of surgery were also assessed. The results show a total of 2,226,559 primary TKAs were implanted between 2010 and 2021, of which 2,044,914 were performed conventionally (91.84% of all TKAs). A total of 170,276 TKAs were performed using navigation technique (7.65% of all TKAs) and another 11,369 TKAs were performed using robotics (0.51% of all TKAs). For the period from 2018 to 2021, a substantial increase in robot-assisted TKA (R-TKA) was observed, with an average increase rate of 84.74% per year, while the number of navigated TKAs declined (−3.67% per year). Computer-assisted surgery, and particularly robotics for TKA, are seeing growing popularity and stepwise translation into routine clinical use in Germany, with a steep increase rate of more than 80% per year since 2018. Nevertheless, the majority of TKAs are still performed using manual instrumentation, rendering conventional TKA the currently unchanged gold standard. KW - robotic KW - TKA KW - knee replacement KW - computer navigation KW - Germany Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-304879 SN - 2077-0383 VL - 12 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eidmann, Annette A1 - Kamawal, Yama A1 - Luedemann, Martin A1 - Raab, Peter A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Stratos, Ioannis T1 - Demographics and etiology for lower extremity amputations — experiences of an university orthopaedic center in Germany JF - Medicina N2 - Background and Objectives: Currently, the worldwide incidence of major amputations in the general population is decreasing whereas the incidence of minor amputations is increasing. The purpose of our study was to analyze whether this trend is reflected among orthopaedic patients treated with lower extremity amputation in our orthopaedic university institution. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study and included patients referred to our orthopaedic department for lower extremity amputation (LEA) between January 2007 and December 2019. Acquired data were the year of amputation, age, sex, level of amputation and cause of amputation. T test and Chi² test were performed to compare age and amputation rates between males and females; significance was defined as p < 0.05. Linear regression and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test time trends and to calculate probabilities for LEA. Results: A total of 114 amputations of the lower extremity were performed, of which 60.5% were major amputations. The number of major amputations increased over time with a rate of 0.6 amputation/year. Men were significantly more often affected by LEA than women. Age of LEA for men was significantly below the age of LEA for women (men: 54.8 ± 2.8 years, women: 64.9 ± 3.2 years, p = 0.021). Main causes leading to LEA were tumors (28.9%) and implant-associated complications (25.4%). Implant-associated complications and age raised the probability for major amputation, whereas malformation, angiopathies and infections were more likely to cause a minor amputation. Conclusions: Among patients in our orthopaedic institution, etiology of amputations of the lower extremity is multifactorial and differs from other surgical specialties. The number of major amputations has increased continuously over the past years. Age and sex, as well as diagnosis, influence the type and level of amputation. KW - lower extremity amputation KW - major amputation KW - minor amputation KW - orthopaedic surgery Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-304856 SN - 1648-9144 VL - 59 IS - 2 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Heinz, Tizian A1 - Meller, Felix A1 - Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian A1 - Anderson, Philip Mark A1 - Stratos, Ioannis A1 - Horas, Konstantin A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Reppenhagen, Stephan A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel T1 - The AMADEUS score is not a sufficient predictor for functional outcome after high tibial osteotomy JF - Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics N2 - Purpose The Area Measurement And Depth Underlying Structures (AMADEUS) classification system has been proposed as a valuable tool for magnetic resonance (MR)-based grading of preoperatively encountered chondral defects of the knee joint. However, the potential relationship of this novel score with clinical data was yet to determine. It was the primary intention of this study to assess the correlative relationship of the AMADEUS with patient reported outcome scores in patients undergoing medial open-wedge high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO). Furthermore, the arthroscopic ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) grade evaluation was tested for correlation with the AMADEUS classification system. Methods This retrospective, monocentric study found a total of 70 individuals that were indicated for HTO due to degenerative chondral defects of the medial compartment between 2008 and 2019. A preoperative MR image as well as a pre-osteotomy diagnostic arthroscopy for ICRS grade evaluation was mandatory for all patients. The Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) including its five subscale scores (KOOS-ADL, KOOS-QOL, KOOS-Sports, KOOS-Pain, KOOS-Symptoms) was obtained preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 41.2 ± 26.3 months. Preoperative chondral defects were evaluated using the AMADEUS classification system and the final AMADEUS scores were correlated with the pre- and postoperative KOOS subscale sores. Furthermore, arthroscopic ICRS defect severity was correlated with the AMADEUS classification system. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between the AMADEUS BME (bone marrow edema) subscore and the KOOS Symptoms subscore at the preoperative visit (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). No statistically significant monotonic association between the AMADEUS total score and the AMADEUS grade with pre- and postoperative KOOS subscale scores were found. Intraoperatively obtained ICRS grade did reveal a moderate correlative relation with the AMADEUS total score and the AMADEUS grade (r = 0.28, p = 0.02). Conclusions The novel AMADEUS classification system largely lacks correlative capacity with patient reported outcome measures in patients undergoing HTO. The MR tomographic appearance of bone marrow edema is the only parameter predictive of the clinical outcome at the preoperative visit. KW - cartilage KW - AMADEUS KW - KOOS KW - knee KW - high tibial osteotomy KW - chondral defect KW - osteoarthritis KW - PROM KW - correlation Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357765 VL - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Munawar, Umair A1 - Zhou, Xiang A1 - Prommersberger, Sabrina A1 - Nerreter, Silvia A1 - Vogt, Cornelia A1 - Steinhardt, Maximilian J. A1 - Truger, Marietta A1 - Mersi, Julia A1 - Teufel, Eva A1 - Han, Seungbin A1 - Haertle, Larissa A1 - Banholzer, Nicole A1 - Eiring, Patrick A1 - Danhof, Sophia A1 - Navarro-Aguadero, Miguel Angel A1 - Fernandez-Martin, Adrian A1 - Ortiz-Ruiz, Alejandra A1 - Barrio, Santiago A1 - Gallardo, Miguel A1 - Valeri, Antonio A1 - Castellano, Eva A1 - Raab, Peter A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Haferlach, Claudia A1 - Sauer, Markus A1 - Hudecek, Michael A1 - Martinez-Lopez, J. A1 - Waldschmidt, Johannes A1 - Einsele, Hermann A1 - Rasche, Leo A1 - Kortüm, K. Martin T1 - Impaired FADD/BID signaling mediates cross-resistance to immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma JF - Communications Biology N2 - The treatment landscape in multiple myeloma (MM) is shifting from genotoxic drugs to immunotherapies. Monoclonal antibodies, immunoconjugates, T-cell engaging antibodies and CART cells have been incorporated into routine treatment algorithms, resulting in improved response rates. Nevertheless, patients continue to relapse and the underlying mechanisms of resistance remain poorly understood. While Impaired death receptor signaling has been reported to mediate resistance to CART in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, this mechanism yet remains to be elucidated in context of novel immunotherapies for MM. Here, we describe impaired death receptor signaling as a novel mechanism of resistance to T-cell mediated immunotherapies in MM. This resistance seems exclusive to novel immunotherapies while sensitivity to conventional anti-tumor therapies being preserved in vitro. As a proof of concept, we present a confirmatory clinical case indicating that the FADD/BID axis is required for meaningful responses to novel immunotherapies thus we report impaired death receptor signaling as a novel resistance mechanism to T-cell mediated immunotherapy in MM. KW - immunotherapy KW - translational research Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357609 VL - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel A1 - Wagenbrenner, Mike A1 - Nickel, Joachim A1 - Ahlbrecht, Rasmus A1 - Blunk, Torsten A1 - Steinert, Andre F. A1 - Gilbert, Fabian T1 - Comparative in vitro treatment of mesenchymal stromal cells with GDF-5 and R57A induces chondrogenic differentiation while limiting chondrogenic hypertrophy JF - Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics N2 - Purpose Hypertrophic cartilage is an important characteristic of osteoarthritis and can often be found in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Although the exact pathomechanism remains poorly understood, hypertrophic de-differentiation of chondrocytes also poses a major challenge in the cell-based repair of hyaline cartilage using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). While different members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family have been shown to promote chondrogenesis in MSCs, the transition into a hypertrophic phenotype remains a problem. To further examine this topic we compared the effects of the transcription growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) and the mutant R57A on in vitro chondrogenesis in MSCs. Methods Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) were placed in pellet culture and in-cubated in chondrogenic differentiation medium containing R57A, GDF-5 and TGF-ß1 for 21 days. Chondrogenesis was examined histologically, immunohistochemically, through biochemical assays and by RT-qPCR regarding the expression of chondrogenic marker genes. Results Treatment of BMSCs with R57A led to a dose dependent induction of chondrogenesis in BMSCs. Biochemical assays also showed an elevated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and expression of chondrogenic marker genes in corresponding pellets. While treatment with R57A led to superior chondrogenic differentiation compared to treatment with the GDF-5 wild type and similar levels compared to incubation with TGF-ß1, levels of chondrogenic hypertrophy were lower after induction with R57A and the GDF-5 wild type. Conclusions R57A is a stronger inducer of chondrogenesis in BMSCs than the GDF-5 wild type while leading to lower levels of chondrogenic hypertrophy in comparison with TGF-ß1. KW - bone marrow KW - cartilage KW - chondrogenesis KW - chondrogenic hypertrophy KW - mesenchymal stromal cell KW - GDF-5 KW - R57A Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357770 VL - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Baumbach, Sebastian Felix A1 - Hörterer, Hubert A1 - Oppelt, Sonja A1 - Szeimies, Ulrike A1 - Polzer, Hans A1 - Walther, Markus T1 - Do pre-operative radiologic assessment predict postoperative outcomes in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy?: a retrospective database study JF - Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery N2 - Introduction Diagnosis and treatment of insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon (IAT) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pre-operative radiological pathologies on the patient-reported outcomes following open debridement of all pathologies for IAT. Materials and methods In this IRB-approved retrospective correlation and comparative study, patients with pre-operative imaging were identified from the authors’ retrospective IAT database comprising of 118 patients. All were treated by a standardized surgical treatment strategy utilizing a midline, transachillary approach and debridement of all pathologies. A total of fifteen radiologic parameters were measured on radiographs (RX) and MRI. The patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-G) and the general health questionnaire SF-12 at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The data are presented as mean ± SD (95% CI). Results 88 patients (74.6%) with an average age of 50 ± 12 (47–52) years were included. Radiographs were available in 68 patients and MRI in 53. The mean follow-up was 3.8 ± 1.9 (3.4–4.3) years. The overall VISA-A-G was 81 ± 22 (77–86), the SF-12 PCS 54 ± 7 (52–55), and the SF-12 MCS 52 ± 9 (50–54) points. None of the assessed radiological parameters had a significant influence on the patient-reported outcome following surgical treatment for IAT. Conclusion In this retrospective correlation study, no significant association was found between preoperative radiographic and MRI radiologic parameters for IAT and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (VISA-A-G and SF-12). KW - Achilles KW - insertion KW - PROM KW - imaging KW - surgery Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307963 SN - 1434-3916 VL - 142 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Luetkens, Karsten Sebastian A1 - Grunz, Jan-Peter A1 - Kunz, Andreas Steven A1 - Huflage, Henner A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel A1 - Hartung, Viktor A1 - Patzer, Theresa Sophie A1 - Gruschwitz, Philipp A1 - Ergün, Süleyman A1 - Bley, Thorsten Alexander A1 - Feldle, Philipp T1 - Ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT arthrography of the ankle: a feasibility study JF - Diagnostics N2 - This study was designed to investigate the image quality of ultra-high-resolution ankle arthrography employing a photon-counting detector CT. Bilateral arthrograms were acquired in four cadaveric specimens with full-dose (10 mGy) and low-dose (3 mGy) scan protocols. Three convolution kernels with different spatial frequencies were utilized for image reconstruction (ρ\(_{50}\); Br98: 39.0, Br84: 22.6, Br76: 16.5 lp/cm). Seven radiologists subjectively assessed the image quality regarding the depiction of bone, hyaline cartilage, and ligaments. An additional quantitative assessment comprised the measurement of noise and the computation of contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). While an optimal depiction of bone tissue was achieved with the ultra-sharp Br98 kernel (S ≤ 0.043), the visualization of cartilage improved with lower modulation transfer functions at each dose level (p ≤ 0.014). The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent for all assessed tissues (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.805). The noise levels in subcutaneous fat decreased with reduced spatial frequency (p < 0.001). Notably, the low-dose Br76 matched the CNR of the full-dose Br84 (p 0.999) and superseded Br98 (p < 0.001) in all tissues. Based on the reported results, a photon-counting detector CT arthrography of the ankle with an ultra-high-resolution collimation offers stellar image quality and tissue assessability, improving the evaluation of miniscule anatomical structures. While bone depiction was superior in combination with an ultra-sharp convolution kernel, soft tissue evaluation benefited from employing a lower spatial frequency. KW - photon-counting CT KW - arthrography KW - ankle KW - cartilage KW - radiation dosage Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362622 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 13 IS - 13 ER - TY - THES A1 - Schaefer, Bastian T1 - Eigenschaften von synthetischen Bandersatzmaterialien zum MPFL-Ersatz - biomechanische in vitro Studie am porcinen Modell T1 - Properties of synthetic ligament replacement materials for MPFL replacement - biomechanical in vitro study on a porcine model N2 - Der MPFL-Ersatz ist ein gängiges Therapieverfahren zur Behandlung einer patellofemoralen Instabilität. Die Operationstechniken unterscheiden sich zumeist an der patellaren Fixationsmethode und der Auswahl der Transplantate. Biomechanische Studien, welche sich mit den Eigenschaften implantatfreier ossärer Fixationsmethoden beim MPFL-Ersatz unter Verwendung künstlicher Transplantate beschäftigen gibt es nach aktueller Recherche nicht. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die biomechanischen Eigenschaften zweier patellarer Bohrkanalfixationstechniken beim MPFL-Ersatz mit unterschiedlichem künstlichen Bandersatzmaterial zu ermitteln. Die Hypothese war, dass die biomechanischen Eigenschaften in Elongation, Steifigkeit, Primärstabilität und maximaler Ausreißkraft mit denen der bereits etablierten Verfahren und dem nativen MPFL vergleichbar sind. Hierzu wurden 80 porcine Kniescheiben randomisiert in 8 Gruppen aufgeteilt und getestet. In den Gruppen 1-4 wurden parallele, transpatellare Bohrkanäle mit Tapes der Breiten 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm und 5 mm getestet. In den Gruppen 5-8 wurden V-Kanal-Fixationsmethoden mit Bändern der Breite von 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm und 5 mm untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden die biomechanischen Grundeigenschaften der nativen Tapes ermittelt. Alle Tests durchliefen jeweils drei Messabschnitte. Hierbei fand zunächst eine Präkonditionierung mit 10 Zyklen zwischen 5 N und 20 N statt. Daraufhin folgte eine zyklische Belastung mit 1000 Zyklen zwischen 5 N und 50 N. Am Ende wurde eine maximale Kraftapplikation bis zum Versagen der Fixationskomplexe durchgeführt. Im Rahmen der Messungen wurden Elongation, Steifigkeit, Yield Load und Maximum Load bestimmt. Es konnten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Fixationsmethoden und den verwendeten Tapes festgestellt werden. Alle acht Gruppen zeigten eine höhere Primärstabilität als das humane MPFL. Bezogen auf die biomechanischen Eigenschaften und den Versagensmechanismus konnte in dieser Studie ein Vorteil der parallelen transpatellaren Bohrkanäle gegenüber den V- Kanaltechniken festgestellt werden. Die Werte mit der höchsten maximalen Ausreißkraft wurden in Gruppe 3 (631,6 ± 83,1 N) und Gruppe 1 (592,9 ± 170,1 N) gemessen. Diese zeigten eine höhere Primärstabilität mit geringerer Elongation und Steifigkeit im Vergleich zu den in der aktuellen Literatur beschriebenen biomechanischen Studien, welche sich mit unterschiedlichen und teilweise bereits etablierten MPFL-Ersatzverfahren beschäftigten. Eine implantatfreie MPFL-Rekonstruktion mit transpatellaren parallelen Bohrkanälen unter Verwendung eines 2 mm Fiber Tapes (Fa. Arthrex) oder eines 4 mm Tapes (Fa. Topester) könnten dementsprechend eine gute Alternative zur operativen Therapie einer patellofemoralen Instabilität sein. N2 - MPFL reconstruction is a common surgical treatment for patellofemoral instability. The surgical techniques usually differ in patellar fixation methods and selection of grafts. According to current research, there are no biomechanical studies that deal with the physical properties of implant-free MPFL reconstructions with osseous fixation using artificial grafts. The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of two patellar drill hole techniques in MPFL reconstruction with the use of different artificial grafts. The hypothesis was that the biomechanical properties in elongation, stiffness and maximum load are comparable to native MPFL and procedures with autologous grafts. Therefore 80 porcine patellae were randomly divided into 8 groups. Group 1-4 tested, parallel, transpatellar tunnels with tapes measuring 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm. In group 5-8 a bone bridge method (V-channel) was used testing tapes of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm. In addition, the basic physical properties of the native tapes were determined. The specimens were preconditioned with 10 cycles between 5 N and 20 N before they underwent cyclic load with 1000 cycles between 5 N and 50 N. In the end, the maximum load to failure was tested. Elongation, stiffness, yield load, maximum load and failure mode were determined. Differences could be found between the two fixation methods and the tapes used. All eight groups showed higher primary stability than human MPFL. An advantage of the parallel transpatellar tunnels over the bone bridge technique was found in this study. The results with the highest maximum load were found in group 4 (631.6 ± 83.1 N) and group 2 (592.9 ± 170.1 N). These showed a higher maximum load with lower elongation and stiffness compared to other biomechanical studies described in the current literature, which dealt with different MPFL reconstructions with autologous tendon grafts. Therefore an implant-free MPFL reconstruction with transpatellar parallel tunnels using a 2 mm fiber tape (Arthrex) or a 4 mm tape (Topester) could be a good alternative for surgical treatment of patellofemoral instability. KW - Patellaluxation KW - Patellar instability KW - MPFL reconstruction KW - FiberTape KW - Nonresorbable suture tape KW - Osseuous fixation KW - Patellainstabilität KW - MPFL Ersatz KW - FiberTape KW - Synthetisches Bandersatzmaterial KW - Knöcherne Fixation KW - Kniescheibenverrenkung KW - Synthetischer Bandersatz Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-361396 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Heinz, Tizian A1 - Wild, Moritz A1 - Eidmann, Annette A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel A1 - Rak, Dominik A1 - Nedopil, Alexander Johannes A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Stratos, Ioannis T1 - Impact of COVID-19 on fracture incidence in germany: a comparative age and gender analysis of pre- and post-outbreak periods JF - Healthcare N2 - In March 2020, Germany imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, prompting questions about the impact on the incidence of common fractures. This study examined 15 fracture types in pre-outbreak (2010–2019) and post-outbreak (2020–2021) periods, using data categorized by age (18–64 years, 65 years) and sex (male, female). Linear regression assessed annual growth rates, and mean fracture numbers were compared across periods for significant differences. Results indicated a positive correlation between fracture incidence rates and time for various types, such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic spine fractures, rib fractures, femoral neck, pertrochanteric femur, femoral shaft, and ankle fractures. Frequencies of proximal humerus, distal radius, femoral neck, pertrochanteric femur, femoral shaft, and ankle fractures in 2020 and 2021 were within predicted ranges from previous years. However, rib fractures and spinal fractures (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic spine) occurred less frequently during this time. Notably, this study found a consistent decline in most fracture types for individuals aged 18–64 after the pandemic’s onset, while the fracture incidence of hip fractures, often referred to as fragility fractures, for those over 65 remained unchanged. Fibula fractures showed the most considerable decrease in both age groups. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted fracture incidence, with lower rates among individuals under 65 and unchanged fragility fractures in the elderly population. KW - COVID-19 KW - fracture incidence KW - age and gender analysis KW - pre- and post-outbreak comparison KW - fragility fractures KW - linear regression Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362686 SN - 2227-9032 VL - 11 IS - 15 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eidmann, Annette A1 - Heinz, Tizian A1 - Oberfeld, Jan A1 - Weißenberger, Manuel A1 - Rudert, Maximilian A1 - Stratos, Ioannis T1 - Epidemiology and trends in cartilage surgery of the foot and ankle in Germany: an analysis of national healthcare billing and reporting data from 2006 to 2020 JF - Medicina N2 - Background and objectives: Cartilage surgery constitutes a standard intervention in foot and ankle procedures. Currently, there is a lack of epidemiological data on its frequency, age distribution, and surgical options for cartilage surgery. This study aimed to investigate the current landscape of cartilage surgery in Germany and identify the most common procedures from an epidemiological standpoint. Materials and methods: Medical billing and reporting data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, encompassing the period 2006–2020, was examined, including all foot and ankle cartilage surgical procedures (summarized under OPS codes 5-812 and 5-801). The dataset incorporated information on the affected joint, patient age and sex, and surgery type. Each surgical procedure was categorized as “debridement”, “regeneration” or “refixation”. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were employed, with a statistical significance threshold of 0.05. Results: From the total of 136,501 procedures conducted during the study period, the most frequently performed interventions were microfracture (58,252) and chondroplasty (56,135), and thus, debridement procedures were in the leading position. The use of acellular membranes was the most used regenerative technique (n = 11,414). At the ankle joint, interventions were mostly arthroscopic and in men, while foot cartilage surgeries were preferably performed via open surgery and mostly in women. Age distribution analysis revealed two primary peaks: the first in the 20–25-year-old group (ankle and foot) and the second in the 45–50-year-old group (ankle) and 55–60-year-old group (foot). Refixation and regenerative procedures were more frequent among younger individuals, while debriding procedures were more frequent among older individuals. Regenerative procedures, particularly in the ankle, significantly increased over time. Conclusions: Cartilage surgery of the foot and ankle was common, with two primary age groups predominantly affected. Notably, recent years have witnessed a considerable rise in cartilage regenerative procedures. KW - cartilage surgery KW - foot and ankle procedures KW - epidemiological analysis KW - regenerative therapies KW - age distribution Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-362835 SN - 1648-9144 VL - 59 IS - 7 ER -