Collagen-covered versus matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation for osteochondral defects of the knee: a comparison of tourniquet times

Abstract

We have compared tourniquet times of two techniques of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Seventy-three patients underwent the collagen covered ACI technique (ACI-C) and 63 patients underwent the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation technique (MACI) for symptomatic osteochondral defects of the knee, at our centre, as part of a prospective trial. The mean tourniquet time in the ACI-C group was 80.7 min (range 47–126), and 61.5 min (range 27–100) in the MACI group, P=0.003. Tourniquet times greater than 90 min were required in 22 (31%) ACI procedures and 1 (2%) MACI procedure. The reduced implantation time for the MACI procedure is a clinically significant advantage, and allows cartilage resurfacing to be performed in combination with other techniques within safe tourniquet times.