title: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis combined with platelet-rich plasma gel: technical description and a five pilot patients report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study was designed to describe the technical details and to present the preliminary outcome of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) combined with platelet-rich plasma gel, the so called AMIC plus technique, for the treatment of patellar cartilage defects in the knee.
  
  
  METHODS
  The AMIC plus technique was used for the treatment of (osteo) chondral patellar lesions in the knee. The surgical technique is extensively described. Five patients were clinically prospectively evaluated during 2 years. MRI data were analysed based on the original MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) and modified MOCART scoring system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A clinical improvement became apparent after 24 months of follow-up. Both MOCART scoring systems revealed no significant deterioration or improvement of the repair tissue between one and 2 years of follow-up. However, all cases showed subchondral lamina and bone changes. The formation of intralesional osteophytes was observed in 3 of the 5 patients during the 2 years of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AMIC plus is feasible for the treatment of symptomatic patellar cartilage defects and resulted in a clinical improvement in all patients. The favourable clinical outcome of the AMIC plus technique was not confirmed by the MRI findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185 (2P5), 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Aad.Dhollander@Ugent.be
authors.forename: A A M
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Dhollander
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Neve
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Almqvist
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verdonk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lambrecht
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elewaut
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Verbruggen
authors.forename: P C M
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Verdonk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020219:Chondrogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005782:Gels / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010329:Patella / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D003094:Collagen