Autologous chondrocytes implantation for traumatic cartilage defects of the knee.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of autologous chondrocytes implantation in the patients with large traumatic cartilage defects of the knee.


METHODS
Five patients (six knees) with grade 3-4 according to International Cartilage Repair Society Classification System were performed ACI between May 2006 and April 2007. The two-stage procedure was performed. First, the cartilage was arthroscopic harvested. The chondrocytes were isolated in the laboratory. Second, the chondrocytes were re-implanted into the defects. The patients were clinically evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopic assessment. The mean duration of follow-up was 19.8 +/- 4.6 months.


RESULTS
There was no postoperative complication. The clinical evaluation with Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) showed significant improvement. The MRI showed the filling of regenerative cartilage tissue formation at the defects. The arthroscopic assessment showed the good defect fill, stiffness, and incorporation to the adjacent cartilage.


CONCLUSIONS
The autologous chondrocytes implantation showed the potential for the treatment of large cartilage defects. The excellent results allowed patients to return to normal activity level.
Kasemkijwattana
Channarong
C
Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakhrinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. chann@swu.ac.th
Kesprayura
Suraphol
S
Chaipinyo
Kanda
K
Chanlalit
Cholawish
C
Chansiri
Kosum
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002356:Cartilage / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012038:Regeneration; D024162:Second-Look Surgery; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome