The effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation for treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions in workers' compensation patients.
This prospective longitudinal analysis evaluated the effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation in 24 workers' compensation patients with articular cartilage injuries >2 cm2. Mean lesion size was 4.7 cm2, (range: 2-10 cm2). Nineteen lesions were on the distal femur and 5 were on the patella. Clinical assessment scores improved from a mean of 3.2 at baseline to 6.8 one year postoperatively, with 78% rated good or excellent. Among patients with > or = 1-year follow-up, 63% returned to unrestricted work status at a mean of 7 months; an additional 22% returned to modified work.
Yates
James W
JW
Conway Medical Center, Conway, SC, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics*