Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation for trearment of chondral defects of knee: A preliminary report

Objective: To present clinical experience onmatrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), we hereby reported treatment with MACI for 3 patients suffering from chondral lesion of the knee, each of them has been followed for a minimum of 10 months. Methods: Ages of 3 patients were 25, 15 and 32 years old respectively. And the cartilage defect size ranged from 6cm2-10.5cm2). IKDC2000 score was used for knee functional evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. A biopsy of the regenerated cartilage from one patient was histologically evaluated 15 months after MACI. Results: In the postoperative period, no associated complications were observed. Each patient showed improvements both in clinical and functional status after surgery. MRI and arthroscopy showed the presence of hyaline-like cartilage at the site of implantation. The cartilage biopsy on the first patient showed a high ratio of hyaline-like cartilage tissue to fibrocartilage tissue which was 2 to 1. Conclusion: The clinical outcome and histological evaluation suggest that MACI is able to relieve pain and restore the function of the knee, also is capable of regenerating hyaline cartilage. In conclusion, MACI appears a promising method for the treatment of chondral defects of the knee. © 2006 World Scientific Publishing Company.