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Arthroscopic second generation autologous chondrocyte implantation

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

A biodegradable, hyaluronian-based biocompatible scaffold was used for autologous chondrocyte transplantation. This prospective study analyzes a clinical outcome of 70 consecutive patients treated by arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte transplantation at minimum 24 months follow up (47 of these patients achieved minimum 36 months follow-up and 21 patients minimum 48 months follow-up) in order to establish clear indication criteria for this type of treatment. 31 of these patients presented isolated chondral lesions, while 39 patients with associated lesions (23 ACL lesions, 28 meniscal lesions, 1 varus knee) were treated during the same surgical procedure with cartilage harvesting. A statistically significant clinical improvement was shown just at 24 months and the second-look arthroscopy demonstrated a complete coverage of the grafted area with a hyaline cartilage-like tissue in 12 of 15 analyzed patients. A better clinical outcome was observed in young, well-trained patients and in traumatic lesions. Other factors, such as defect size, localization, previous and associated surgery did not influence significantly the results. This matrix autologous chondrocyte transplantation procedure simplifies the surgical procedure and can be performed arthroscopically, thus reducing surgical morbidity and recovery time.

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Acknowledgments

Angela Montaperrto, Silvia Bassini, Simone Bignozzi, Laboratorio di Biomeccanica, Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Elettra Pignotti, Keith Smith, Task Force, Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Prof. Giovanni Abatangelo, Dr Paola Brun, Isituto di Istologia, Università di Padova, Italy, Dr. Sally Dickinson, University of Bristol

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic and Sports Trauma, Biomechanics Laboratory, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Via Di Barbiano, 1/10, 40136, Bologna, Italy

    Maurilio Marcacci, Elizaveta Kon, Stefano Zaffagnini, Giuseppe Filardo, Marco Delcogliano, Maria Pia Neri & Francesco Iacono

  2. Bristol University, Bristol, UK

    Anthony P. Hollander

Authors
  1. Maurilio Marcacci
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  2. Elizaveta Kon
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  3. Stefano Zaffagnini
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  4. Giuseppe Filardo
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  5. Marco Delcogliano
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  6. Maria Pia Neri
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  7. Francesco Iacono
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  8. Anthony P. Hollander
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Correspondence to Elizaveta Kon.

Additional information

Level of evidence: Level IV (Prospective case series study)

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Marcacci, M., Kon, E., Zaffagnini, S. et al. Arthroscopic second generation autologous chondrocyte implantation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 15, 610–619 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0265-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0265-9

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