Outcome of Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) in cartilage knee surgery: data of the AMIC Registry.
BACKGROUND
Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) is an innovative treatment for localized full-thickness cartilage defects combining the well-known microfracturing with collagen I/III scaffold. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the medium-term results of this enhanced microfracture technique for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee.


METHODS
Patients treated with AMIC (Chondro-Gide, Geistlich Pharma, Switzerland) were followed using the AMIC Registry, an internet-based tool to longitudinally track changes in function and symptoms by the Lysholm score and VAS.


RESULTS
A series of 57 patients was enrolled. The average age of patients (19 females, 38 males) was 37.3 years (range 17-61 years). The mean defect size of the chondral lesions was 3.4 cm(2) (range 1.0-12.0 cm(2)). All defects were classified as grade III (n = 20) or IV (n = 37) according to the Outerbridge classification. Defects were localized at the medial (n = 32) or lateral (n = 6) condyle, at the trochlea (n = 4) and at the patella (n = 15). The follow-up period was 2 years. The majority of patients were satisfied with the postoperative outcome, reporting a significant decrease of pain (mean VAS preop = 7.0; 1 year postop = 2.7; 2 years postop = 2.0). Significant improvement of the mean Lysholm score was observed as early as 1 year after AMIC and further increased values were noted up to 2 years postoperatively (preop. 50.1, 1 year postop. 79.9, 2 year postop. 85.2).


CONCLUSIONS
AMIC is an effective and safe method of treating symptomatic chondral defects of the knee. However, further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine if the grafted area will maintain structural and functional integrity over time.


METHODS
Prognostic study, Level IV.
Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University Of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. justus_gille@usa.net
J
J
Gille
P
P
Behrens
P
P
Volpi
L
L
de Girolamo
E
E
Reiss
W
W
Zoch
S
S
Anders
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054544:Arthroplasty, Subchondral; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D020219:Chondrogenesis; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D055815:Young Adult
D024042:Collagen Type I; D024043:Collagen Type II