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The use of autologous chondrocyte implantation following and combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

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Abstract

We report our experience of using autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to treat osteochondral defects of the knee in combination with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The outcome of symptomatic osteochondral lesions treated with ACI following previous successful ACL reconstruction is also reviewed. Patients were followed for a mean of 23 months. Nine patients underwent ACL reconstruction in combination with ACI. Mean modified Cincinnati knee scores improved from 42 to 69 following surgery. Seven patients described their knee as better and two as the same. A second group of nine patients underwent ACI for symptomatic articular cartilage defects following previous ACL reconstruction. In this group, the mean modified Cincinnati knee score improved from 53 to 62 after surgery. Six patients described their knee as better and three as worse. Combined treatment using ACI with ACL reconstruction is technically feasible and resulted in sustained improvement in pain and function. The results following previous ACL reconstruction also resulted in clinical improvement, although results were not as good as following the combined procedure.

Résumé

Nous rapportons notre expérience de la greffe autologue de chondrocytes (ACI) pour traiter les lésions ostéochondrales du genou en combinaison avec la reconstruction du LCA. Le résultat du traitement par ACI des lésions ostéochondrales symptomatiques, après un bon résultat de la reconstruction précédente du LCA est aussi examiné. Les malades ont été suivis en moyenne 23 mois. Neuf malades ont eu une intervention combinée. La moyenne du score modifié de Cincinnati s’est améliorée de 42 à 69 après la chirurgie. Sept malades ont décrit leur genou comme meilleur et deux comme le même. Un deuxième groupe de neuf malades a subi une greffe de chondrocytes pour lésion symptomatique du cartilage articulaire après une reconstruction du LCA. Dans ce groupe, la moyenne du score modifié de Cincinnati s’est améliorée de 53 à 62 après l’intervention. Six malades ont décrit leur genou comme meilleur et trois comme pire. Le traitement combiné qui utilise la greffe de chondrocyte avec la reconstruction du LCA est techniquement faisable et a apporté une amélioration notable de la douleur et de la fonction. L’intervention effectuée après la reconstruction antérieure du LCA apporte une amélioration clinique, bien que les résultats ne soient pas aussi bons qu’après la procédure combinée.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joint Reconstruction and Bone Tumour Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, HA7 4LP, Stanmore, UK

    A. A. Amin, W. Bartlett, C. R. Gooding, M. Sood, J. A. Skinner, R. W. J. Carrington, T. W. R. Briggs & G. Bentley

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  1. A. A. Amin
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  2. W. Bartlett
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  3. C. R. Gooding
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  4. M. Sood
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  5. J. A. Skinner
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  6. R. W. J. Carrington
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  7. T. W. R. Briggs
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  8. G. Bentley
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Correspondence to A. A. Amin.

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Amin, A.A., Bartlett, W., Gooding, C.R. et al. The use of autologous chondrocyte implantation following and combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. International Orthopaedics (SICO 30, 48–53 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-005-0025-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-005-0025-3

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