Paper #125 Marrow stimulation techniques versus autologous chondrocyte implantation for treatment of full-thickness chondral defects of the knee: comparison of patient outcomes at 3-5 years

Abstract

Autologous cultured chondrocyte implantation (ACI), for articular cartilage lesions of the distal femur, generally demonstrates effectiveness in 80-85% of cases. However, no studies have compared these results to those of marrow stimulation techniques (MST): abrasion, drilling, or microfracture. The purpose of this multicenter, prospective study was to compare patient reported outcomes at a minimum of three years between patients treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation and marrow stimulation techniques.