Autologous Chondrocytes Implantation for Traumatic Cartilage Defects of the Knee
Channarong Kasemkijwattana MD*, Suraphol Kesprayura MD**, Kanda Chaipinyo PhD***, Cholawish Chanlalit MD*, Kosum Chansiri PhD****
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakhrinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand ** Department of Orthopedics, Police General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand *** Faculty of Health Science, Srinakhrinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand **** Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakhrinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the results of autologous chondrocytes implantation in the patients with large traumatic
cartilage defects of the knee.
Material and Method: Five patients (six knees) with grade 3-4 according to International Cartilage Repair
Society Classification System were performed ACI between May 2006 and April 2007. The two-stage
procedure was performed. First, the cartilage was arthroscopic harvested. The chondrocytes were isolated in
the laboratory. Second, the chondrocytes were re-implanted into the defects. The patients were clinically
evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), magnetic
resonance imaging, and arthroscopic assessment. The mean duration of follow-up was 19.8 + 4.6 months.
Results : There was no postoperative complication. The clinical evaluation with Knee and Osteoarthritis
Outcome Score (KOOS) showed significant improvement. The MRI showed the filling of regenerative
cartilage tissue formation at the defects. The arthroscopic assessment showed the good defect fill, stiffness, and
incorporation to the adjacent cartilage.
Conclusion : The autologous chondrocytes implantation showed the potential for the treatment of large
cartilage defects. The excellent results allowed patients to return to normal activity level.
Keywords : Cartilage, Chondrocytes, Knee injuries, Transplantation, Autologous
