Autologous chondrocytes implantation: indications and results in the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee.

Articular cartilage lesions of the knee constitute a frequent event and one that is difficult to treat. In time, different surgical methods have been used with results that are often contradictory. The authors report the indications and results of different methods used in the treatment of cartilage lesions: in particular, the experience initiated in 1997 with autologous chondrocytes implantation is discussed. Between 1997 and 2000, a total of 40 patients were submitted to autologous chondrocytes implantation injected in suspension under a periosteal flap. This method includes wide exposure of the joint lesion by arthrotomy. Between 1999 and 2001, a total of 30 patients were submitted to autologous chondrocytes implantation using a tridimensional matrix. The availability of biomaterial simplified the implant method and made arthroscopy possible. All of the patients were submitted to serial clinical follow-ups. MRI was also conducted for a second arthroscopic look. The results obtained in both series after a mean follow-up of 4 years (range 2 to 6 years) are good, and confirm the effectiveness of the method that allows for complete morphological and structural repair of lesions of the joint cartilage.