Autologous chondrocyte implantation: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To critically analyze the existing literature relating to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and thereby to ascertain whether the technique is clinically effective and safe.


METHODS
Using predefined criteria, we searched a number of automated databases, such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CRD, etc., for relevant articles, which were then analyzed by two independent reviewers.


RESULTS
Three clinical trials and nine case series were evaluated. The clinical trials yielded no evidence that ACI was superior to the therapeutic alternatives with which it was compared. In contrast, the case series revealed an improvement in patients. However, as with the clinical trials, the follow-up periods were usually very short. In general, few adverse effects were observed, indicating that ACI is a safe technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Available data afford no evidence that ACI is more effective than other conventional techniques in treating chondral lesions of the knee.
Ruano-Ravina
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A
Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment, Galician Department of Health, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.alberto.ruano.ravina@sergas.es
Jato Díaz
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M
D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000601:surgery; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D008019:Life Style; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000517:prevention & control; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome