title: Comparison of two different matrix-based autologous chondrocyte transplantation systems: 1 year follow-up results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee is a common problem in orthopaedic surgery. Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is one of the few reliable treatment options of cartilage defects with good long-term outcomes. The improvement of ACT led to the matrix-based ACT (MACT). The purpose of the study was to compare two different commercially available MACT systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients with a cartilage defect of the knee were treated with the MACI(®) system and another nine patients with the CaRes(®) implant. The patients were prospectively followed and re-examined after one year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One year after surgery all but one patient have significantly improved in their clinical outcome. Both types of MACT revealed similar results in terms of increase in level of activity, pain relief and knee function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that MACT is a good therapeutic option for full-size defects of the femoral condyle. The MACI(®) implant seems to be easier to handle which is reflected by smaller incisions and a shorter operation time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Flohé
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany. marcel.betsch@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Betsch
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Traumatology, Sankt Josef Orthopaedic and Rheumatology Centre Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ruße
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wild
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, Heinrich Heine University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Windolf
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. Johannes-Hospital Varel, Varel, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulz
keywords: Arthroscopy; Autologous chondrocyte transplantation; Cartilage defect; Chondrocytes; Matrix-based autologous chondrocyte transplantation
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