Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Procedure Research Articles

Rehabilitation After Oswestry Autologous-Chondrocyte Implantation: The OsCell Protocol

Objective:To develop a postoperative rehabilitation protocol for patients receiving autologous-chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to repair articular-cartilage defects of the knee.Data Sources:careful review of both basic science and clinical literature, personal communication with colleagues dealing with similar cases, and the authors’ experience and expertise in rehabilitating numerous patients with knee pathologies, injuries, and trauma.Data Synthesis:Postoperative rehabilitation of the ACI patient plays a critical role in the outcome of the procedure. The goals are to improve function and reduce discomfort by focusing on 3 key elements: weight bearing, range of motion, and strengthening.Conclusions:The authors present 2 flexible postoperative protocols to rehabilitate patients after an ACI procedure to the knee.

The arthroscopic implantation of autologous chondrocytes for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee joint

Autologous chondrocyte implantation is an established option for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. Open implantation has a high morbidity. On a resorbable polymer fleece, autologous chondrocytes can be implanted arthroscopically. Transosseous anchoring assures high initial stability of the implant. Tibial defects can be addressed. The arthroscopic technique for the implantation of autologous chondrocytes eliminates a substantial amount of the side effects known to occur after open autologous chondrocyte implantation procedures.