Arthroscopic Versus Open Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Results and Implications for Rehabilitation

Context:Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has become an established technique for the repair of chondral defects in the knee. MACI has traditionally required an open arthrotomy, but now lends itself to an arthroscopic technique, which may decrease the associated comorbidity of arthrotomy, potentially allowing for faster rehabilitation.Objective:To compare postoperative outcomes between arthroscopic and open arthrotomy techniques of MACI and present a case for faster recovery and accelerated rehabilitation after surgery.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Private functional rehabilitation facility.Patients:78 patients (41 arthroscopic, 37 open) treated with MACI for full-thickness cartilage defects to the femoral condyles.Intervention:According to surgeon preference, patients recruited over the same time period underwent MACI performed arthroscopically or via a conventional open arthrotomy. Both surgical groups were subjected to an identical rehabilitation protocol.Main Outcome Measures:Patient-reported (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Short Form Health Survey, and visual analogue scale) and functional (6-min-walk test, 3-repetition straight-leg-raise test [3R-SLR]) outcomes were compared presurgery and at 3, 6, and 12 mo postsurgery. Active knee range of motion (ROM) was additionally assessed 4 and 8 wk postsurgery. MRI evaluation was assessed using magnetic-resonance observation of cartilage-repair tissue (MOCART) scores at 3 and 12 mo. The length of hospital stay was evaluated, while postsurgery complications were documented.Results:Significant improvements (P < .05) for both groups were observed over the 12-mo period for patient-reported and functional outcomes; however, the arthroscopic cohort performed significantly better (P < .05) in active knee-flexion and -extension ROM and the 3R-SLR. No differences were observed in MOCART scores between the 2 groups at 12 mo. Patients who received arthroscopic implantation required a significantly reduced (P < .001) hospital stay and experienced fewer postoperative complications.Conclusions:Arthroscopic MACI in combination with “best practice” rehabilitation has shown encouraging early results, with good clinical outcomes to 12 mo, reduced length of patient hospitalization, and reduced risk of postsurgery complications. This may have important implications for postoperative rehabilitation and a faster return to full function.

Download Full-text

Patient-Oriented and Performance-Based Outcomes After Knee Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A Timeline for the First Year of Recovery

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2013-0094 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 223-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jennifer S. Howard ◽

Carl G. Mattacola ◽

David R. Mullineaux ◽

Robert A. English ◽

Christian Lattermann

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Short Form ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Force Plate ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

First Year ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Context:It is well established that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) can require extended recovery postoperatively; however, little information exists to provide clinicians and patients with a timeline for anticipated function during the first year after ACI.Objective:To document the recovery of functional performance of activities of daily living after ACI.Patients:ACI patients (n = 48, 29 male; 35.1 ± 8.0 y).Intervention:All patients completed functional tests (weight-bearing squat, walk-across, sit-to-stand, step-up/over, and forward lunge) using the NeuroCom long force plate (Clackamas, OR) and completed patient-reported outcome measures (International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively.Main Outcome Measures:A covariance pattern model was used to compare performance and self-reported outcome across time and provide a timeline for functional recovery after ACI.Results:Participants demonstrated significant improvement in walk-across stride length from baseline (42.0% ± 8.9% height) at 6 (46.8% ± 8.1%) and 12 mo (46.6% ± 7.6%). Weight bearing on the involved limb during squatting at 30°, 60°, and 90° was significantly less at 3 mo than presurgery. Step-up/over time was significantly slower at 3 mo (1.67 ± 0.69 s) than at baseline (1.49 ± 0.33 s), 6 mo (1.51 ± 0.36 s), and 12 mo (1.40 ± 0.26 s). Step-up/over lift-up index was increased from baseline (41.0% ± 11.3% body weight [BW]) at 3 (45.0% ± 11.7% BW), 6 (47.0% ± 11.3% BW), and 12 mo (47.3% ± 11.6% BW). Forward-lunge time was decreased at 3 mo (1.51 ± 0.44 s) compared with baseline (1.39 ± 0.43 s), 6 mo (1.32 ± 0.05 s), and 12 mo (1.27 ± 0.06). Similarly, forward-lunge impact force was decreased at 3 mo (22.2% ± 1.4% BW) compared with baseline (25.4% ± 1.5% BW). The WOMAC demonstrated significant improvements at 3 mo. All patient-reported outcomes were improved from baseline at 6 and 12 mo postsurgery.Conclusions:Patients' perceptions of improvements may outpace physical changes in function. Decreased function for at least the first 3 mo after ACI should be anticipated, and improvement in performance of tasks requiring weight-bearing knee flexion, such as squatting, going down stairs, or lunging, may not occur for a year or more after surgery.

Download Full-text

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation to Isolated Patella Cartilage Defects

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603516654944 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 146-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Arvind von Keudell ◽

Roger Han ◽

Tim Bryant ◽

Tom Minas

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a durable treatment for patients with chondral defects. This study presents the comprehensive evaluation of patients with patella defects treated with ACI at medium- to long-term follow-up. Methods Thirty consecutive patients with isolated chondral lesions of the patella were enrolled prospectively. Primary outcome measures were validated patient reported outcome measures and objective magnetic resonance imaging. Results Nineteen of 30 patients underwent tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) to correct lateral maltracking in combination with soft tissue balancing. The defect sizes were large, averaging 4.7 ± 2.1 cm2 (range 2.2-30.0 cm2). Pidoriano/Fulkerson classification revealed that 3 defects were type II (lateral), 9 were type III (medial), and 18 were type IV (central/panpatella). Age at the time of surgery was 32 ± 10 years. At follow-up of 2 to 14 years, knee function was rated good to excellent in 25 (83%) patients, fair in 4 (13%) patients, and poor in 1 (3%) patient. Three patients failed treatment after a mean of 75 months (6.25 years). All 3 failures were Workers Compensation (WC) cases. They were older than the non-WC patients, 42 ± 6 years compared with the non-WC 28 ± 9 years ( P = 0.0019). Significant increases in all clinical and health utility outcome scores were seen. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the fill grade, surface and integrity of the repair tissue correlated with clinical scores. Conclusion ACI to isolated patella defects results in significant functional improvement at a minimum of 24 months, with the results remaining durable at latest follow-up of 15 years. Level of evidence Level 4.

Download Full-text

Is Delayed Weightbearing After Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Associated With Better Outcomes? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118770986 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 232596711877098 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽

John W. Belk ◽

Trevor J. Carver ◽

Eric C. McCarty

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Short Form ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Rehabilitation Protocols ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background: Proper rehabilitation after matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is essential to restore a patient’s normal function without overloading the repair site. Purpose: To evaluate the current literature to assess clinical outcomes of MACI in the knee based on postoperative rehabilitation protocols, namely, the time to return to full weightbearing (WB). Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A systematic review was performed to locate studies of level 1 evidence comparing the outcomes of patients who underwent MACI with a 6-week, 8-week, or 10/11-week time period to return to full WB. Patient-reported outcomes assessed included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner activity scale, Short Form Health Survey–36 (SF-36), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain frequency and severity. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 136 patients (138 lesions) who underwent MACI. Treatment failure had occurred in 0.0% of patients in the 6-week group, 7.5% in the 8-week group, and 8.3% in the 10/11-week group at a mean follow-up of 2.5 years ( P = .46). KOOS, SF-36, and VAS scores in each group improved significantly from preoperatively to follow-up ( P < .001). Conclusion: Patients undergoing MACI in the knee can be expected to experience improvement in clinical outcomes with the rehabilitation protocols outlined in this work. No significant differences were seen in failure rates based on the time to return to full WB.

Download Full-text

A 20-Year Follow-up After First-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517716631 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (12) ◽

pp. 2751-2761 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Takahiro Ogura ◽

Brian A. Mosier ◽

Tim Bryant ◽

Tom Minas

Keyword(s):

Articular Cartilage ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

First Generation ◽

Short Form ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background: Treating articular cartilage defects is a demanding problem. Although several studies have reported durable and improved clinical outcomes after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) over a long-term period, there is no report with over 20 years’ follow-up. Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes after first-generation ACI for the treatment of knees with disabling, large single and multiple cartilage defects for which patients wished to avoid prosthetic arthroplasty, with a minimum of 20 years’ follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The authors reviewed prospectively collected data from 23 patients (24 knees; mean age, 35.4 years [range, 13-52 years]) undergoing ACI for the treatment of symptomatic, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions. A mean of 2.1 lesions per knee were treated over a mean total surface area of 11.8 cm2 (range, 2.4-30.5 cm2) per knee. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and functional outcome scores, including the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Short Form–36 (SF-36), were used. Patients also self-reported an improvement in pain with a visual analog scale and a satisfaction survey. Results: The 20-year survival rate was 63% (95% CI, 40%-78%). The evaluation of the 15 knees with retained grafts demonstrated that all clinical scores except the WOMAC subscore for stiffness and SF-36 mental component summary score improved significantly and were sustained to 20 years postoperatively. Ninety-three percent of these patients rated knee-specific outcomes as good or excellent. The outcomes for 9 of 24 knees were considered failures, including 5 undergoing revision ACI and 4 being converted to arthroplasty at a mean of 1.7 and 5.9 years, respectively. Only 1 of 5 knees that underwent revision ACI was converted to arthroplasty at 1.9 years after the index surgery, and the other 4 patients were able to maintain their biological knee. Overall, 20 years later, 79% of patients maintained their native knee, for which they initially sought treatment, and were satisfied when evaluated. Conclusion: First-generation ACI provided satisfactory survival rates and significant clinical improvements over a 20-year follow-up, which offers an important standard for comparison with newer-generation ACI technologies of the future.

Download Full-text

Matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation with autologous bone grafting of osteochondral lesions of the talus in adolescents: patient-reported outcomes with a median follow-up of 6 years

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02384-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Körner ◽

Christoph E. Gonser ◽

Stefan Döbele ◽

Christian Konrads ◽

Fabian Springer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Bone Grafting ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Autologous Bone Grafting ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Bone ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Abstract Background This study presents patient-reported outcome measures after combined matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous bone grafting in high-stage osteochondral lesions of the talus in adolescents. Methods A total of 12 adolescent patients (13 ankles) received matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous bone grafting for a solitary osteochondral lesion of the talus at a single centre. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were defined as outcome measures (median follow-up 80 months [range 22–107 months]). Pre- and postoperative ankle radiographs were evaluated according to the van Dijk ankle osteoarthritis scale. Results The study population consisted of four male and nine female cases (mean age at the time of surgery, 17.7 ± 2.1 years). Eight lesions were classified as traumatic and five as idiopathic. Twelve lesions were located medial vs one lateral in the coronal plane and all central in the sagittal plane. The median lesion size and depth were 1.3 cm2 (range 0.9–3.2 cm2) and 5 mm (range 5–9 mm), respectively. There were no perioperative complications in any of the cases. In 9 cases patient-reported outcome measures were available. The results of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score subscales were symptoms, 70 ± 14; pain, 83 ± 10; activities of daily living, 89 ± 12; sports/recreational activities, 66 ± 26; and quality of life, 51 ± 17. The mean overall Foot and Ankle Outcome Score was 78 ± 13. The results of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure subscales were activities of daily living, 81 ± 20; function/activities of daily living, 84 ± 13; sports, 65 ± 29; and function/sports, 73 ± 27. According to the function overall subscale of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, in two cases, the patients assessed the ankle function as normal, in three as nearly normal, and in three as abnormal (missing data, n = 1). Preoperative van Dijk scale: stage 0 in five cases and stage I in eight cases; postoperative van Dijk scale: stage 0 in four cases, stage I in 9 cases Conclusions Patient-reported outcome measures following matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous bone grafting for high-stage osteochondral lesions of the talus in adolescents show heterogeneous results. Long-term limitations mainly affect sports and recreational activities. Osteochondral lesions of the talus are associated with osteoarthritis, even preoperatively. However, we did not find significant osteoarthritis progression after matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation and autologous bone grafting in the long term.

Download Full-text

Two-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Trial Investigating a 6-Week Return to Full Weightbearing After Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546516673837 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 838-848 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Jay R. Ebert ◽

Peter K. Edwards ◽

Michael Fallon ◽

Timothy R. Ackland ◽

Gregory C. Janes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Short Form ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Composite Score ◽

Cartilage Defects ◽

Full Weightbearing ◽

Peak Knee ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Extensor Torque ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Background: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in treating patients with knee cartilage defects. Postoperatively, the time required to attain full weightbearing (WB) remains conservative. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients would have no significant clinical or radiological differences or graft complications after an 8-week or 6-week return to full WB after MACI. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 37 knees (n = 35 patients) were randomly allocated to either an 8-week return to full WB that we considered current best practice based on the existing literature (CR group; n = 19 knees) or an accelerated 6-week WB approach (AR group; n = 18 knees). Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, visual analog pain scale, 6-minute walk test, and active knee range of motion. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess peak knee extension and flexion strength and limb symmetry indices (LSIs) between the operated and nonoperated limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken to evaluate the quality and quantity of repair tissue as well as to calculate an MRI composite score. Results: Significant improvements ( P < .05) were observed in all subjective scores, active knee flexion and extension, 6-minute capacity, peak knee extensor torque in the operated limb, and knee extensor LSI, although no group differences existed. Although knee flexor LSIs were above 100% for both groups at 12 and 24 months after surgery, LSIs for knee extensor torque at 24 months were 93.7% and 87.5% for the AR and CR groups, respectively. The MRI composite score and pertinent graft parameters significantly improved over time ( P < .05), with some superior in the AR group at 24 months. All patients in the AR group (100%) demonstrated good to excellent infill at 24 months, compared with 83% of patients in the CR group. Two cases of graft failure were observed, both in the CR group. At 24 months, 83% of patients in the CR group and 88% in the AR group were satisfied with the results of their MACI surgery. Conclusion: Patients in the AR group who reduced the length of time spent ambulating on crutches produced comparable outcomes up to 24 months, without compromising graft integrity.

Download Full-text

Minimal Clinically Important Differences and Substantial Clinical Benefit in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures after Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603518799839 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 412-422 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Takahiro Ogura ◽

Jakob Ackermann ◽

Alexandre Barbieri Mestriner ◽

Gergo Merkely ◽

Andreas H. Gomoll

Keyword(s):

Clinical Benefit ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Short Form ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Roc Curve Analysis ◽

Substantial Clinical Benefit ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Chondrocyte Implantation ◽

Autologous Chondrocyte

Objective We sought to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) associated with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm, and Short Form–12 (SF-12) after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Design Ninety-two patients with satisfaction surveys at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively and at least 1 repeated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) were analysed. The MCID was determined using 4 anchor-based methods: average change, mean change, minimally detectable change, and the optimal cutoff point for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. If an anchor-based method was not applicable, standard deviation–based and effect size–based estimates were used. SCB was determined using ROC curve analysis. Results The 4 anchor-based methods provided a range of MCID values for each PROM (11-18.8 for the KOOS pain, 9.2-17.3 for the KOOS activities of daily living, 12.5-18.6 for the KOOS sport/recreation, 12.8-19.6 for the KOOS quality of life, 10.8-16.4 for the IKDC, and 6.2-8.2 for the SF-12 physical component summary). Using the 2 distribution-based methods, the following MCID value ranges were obtained: KOOS symptom, 3.6 to 8.4; the Lysholm, 4.2 to 10.5; and the SF-12 mental component summary, 1.9 to 4.6. SCB was 30 for the KOOS sport/recreation and 34.4 for the IKDC, which most accurately predict substantial improvement. No significant association was noted between SCB achievement and the baseline PROMs. Conclusion The MCID and SCB determined in our study will allow interpretation of the effects of treatment in clinical practice and trials. Given the varied MCID values in this study, standardisation of the most appropriate calculation methods is warranted.

Download Full-text