• Michael Schlumberger, Philipp Schuster, Hans-Jörg Bülow, Philipp Mayer, Martin Eichinger, and Jörg Richter.
• Centre for Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Hospital Markgroeningen, Kurt-Lindemann-Weg 10, 71706, Markgroeningen, Germany. Michael_Schlumberger@gmx.de.
• Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019 Nov 1; 139 (11): 1607-1615.

PurposeTo clinically evaluate an arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technique with an in situ crosslinking matrix for the treatment of full thickness cartilage defects of the knee and to present histological results of a graft cartilage biopsy obtained after 1.5 years.MethodsFifteen cases of arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee performed between November 2011 and October 2012 were included in the study. Medical charts and operational reports were screened and the patients were contacted after 0.8 ± 0.3 years (0.4-1.3) and 4.3 ± 0.3 years (4.0-4.8) to asses subjective IKDC and re-operation. The Tegner activity scale was collected at the second follow-up time point. Subjective IKDC response rates were assessed at both follow-up time points.ResultsThe first and second follow-up was completed by all 15 patients (100%). The subjective IKDC scores showed a significant improvement (pre-operative 44.5 ± 15.9, first follow-up 71.1 ± 15.9, p < 0.001, second follow-up 72.6 ± 17.3, p < 0.001). The overall response rate was 66.7% (n = 10) at follow-up one and two. There were no significant differences in pre-injury (4, range 1-9) and follow-up two (4, range 2-7) Tegner activity scales (p = n.s.). Two patients required re-operation in the index knee, not related to the ACI procedure. No complication related to the ACI or the implantation technique occurred. The histological results showed excellent cartilage regeneration.ConclusionArthroscopic ACI using an in situ crosslinking matrix is a safe and reliable treatment option for full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee.

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