Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) was introduced in 1987 in Sweden by Brittberg and Peterson for the treatment of severe chondral defects of the knee. Here, our objective was to evaluate mid-term outcomes of ACI in young athletic patients with deep chondral defects of the knee after trauma.

ACI is effective in filling full-thickness chondral defects of the knee.

We prospectively monitored 14 patients, with International Cartilage Repair Society grade III or IV lesions, who underwent ACI between 2001 and 2006. Standard evaluation measurements were used. Mean age at surgery was 37.7 years (range, 30–45). A history of surgery on the same knee was noted in ten (67%) patients. The defect was on the medial femoral condyle in 11 patients, lateral femoral condyle in two patients, and both femoral condyles in one patient. Mean defect surface area after debridement was 2.1cm² (1–6.3).

After a mean follow-up of six years, improvements were noted in 12 (86%) patients, with an International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score increase from 40 (27.6–65.5) to 60.2 (35.6–89.6) (P=0.003) and a Brittberg-Perterson score decrease from 54.4 (11.8–98.2) to 32.9 (0–83.9) (P=0.02), between the preoperative assessment and last follow-up. The visual analogic scale pain score decreased from 66.3 (44–89) to 23.2 (0–77) (P=0.0006). In two (14%) patients, no improvements were detectable at last follow-up. The remaining 12 patients were satisfied and able to resume sporting activities, albeit at a less strenuous level. Two ACI-specific complications occurred, namely, periosteal hypertrophy treated with debridement in one patient and transplant delamination in another.

Our findings are consistent with previous reports but cover a longer follow-up period. Although the outcomes are promising, longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of ACI.

IV, prospective therapeutic study.