title: Results 2 Years After Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation Using the Novocart 3D Scaffold: An Analysis of Clinical and Radiological Data.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A range of scaffolds is available from various manufacturers for cartilage repair through matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT), with good medium- to long-term results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes 2 years after MACT on the knee joint using the Novocart 3D scaffold based on a bilayered collagen type I sponge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
  
  
  METHODS
  Of 28 initial patients, 23 were clinically and radiologically evaluated 24 months after transplantation. Indications for MACT were chondral or osteochondral lesions on the knee joint with a defect size >2 cm2, no instability, and no malalignment (axis deviation <5°). Then, MRI was performed on a 3-T scanner to assess the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) and 3-dimensional (3D) MOCART scores. A variety of subjective scores (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Noyes sports activity rating scale, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog scale [VAS] for pain) were used for clinical evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two years after MACT, the MRI evaluation showed a mean MOCART score of 73.2 ± 12.4 and a 3D MOCART score of 73.4 ± 9.7. Clinical results showed mean values of 69.8 ± 15.2 for the IKDC; 51.6 ± 21.2, 86.5 ± 13.9, 54.5 ± 23.6, 65.0 ± 8.0, and 91.5 ± 10.6 for the KOOS subscales (Quality of Life, Pain, Sports and Recreation, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living, respectively); 77.5 ± 12.7 for the Noyes scale; 4.4 ± 1.6 for the Tegner activity scale; and 1.8 ± 1.7 for the VAS, with statistically significant improvement in all scores other than KOOS-Symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Undergoing MACT using the Novocart 3D scaffold is an applicable method to treat large focal chondral and osteochondral defects, with good short-term clinical and radiological results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria lukas.zak@meduniwien.ac.at.
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zak
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Social Sciences, St Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St Pölten, Austria Norwegian Research Center for Active Rehabilitation, Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School for Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wondrasch
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Widhalm
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: György
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vekszler
authors.affiliation: Investigation performed at the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trattnig
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marlovits
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aldrian
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D065466:Lysholm Knee Score; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D064232:Visual Analog Scale; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: 3D MOCART; MACT; MOCART; Novocart 3D