Abstract
Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is a two-stage procedure for treating full-thickness chondral and osteochondral joint lesions. It has been used in more than 1200 patients in Sweden and 8000 outside of Sweden.
No serious general complications have been seen, no deep infections, no deep thrombosis.
Relevant serious complications are graft delaminations, especially in partial or total loss of attatchment. These can be a result of inadequate surgical technique, too aggressive rehabilitation or too early return to competitive highimpact sports. They often occur 6–12 months postop. Marginal delaminations can be handled by debridement and microfracture. Partial and total graft delaminations need retransplantation. This can be performed with good result. More common complications are periosteal delamination and hypertrophy of the periosteal flap causing catching, pain and swelling. If symptoms does not disappear with a change in rehabilitation an arthroscopic debridement is necessary.
Arthrofibrosis with limited R.O.M. is treated with intensified physical therapy. If that fails arthroscopic debridement is needed. Other relevant complications like infection and thrombosis could usually be prevented.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
