Abstract
Methods: The implantation procedure was performed on two male patients affected by traumatic chondral lesions, sized respectly 2.5 and 2 cm2. The operations were performed through traditional artrhoscopic portals and the seeded membrane was þxed with þbrin glue. Clinical-functional evaluation was performed acc. Aims: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACÏ) is a tissue engineering technique which requires the use of a collagen membrane on which the cultured chondrocytes are seeded. We report the arthroscopic MACÏ technique for the treatment of chondral defects interesting the lateral tibial ording to ICRS score, modiþed Cincinnati knee score, IKDC, Lysholm II and Tegner scales. MRIs were taken 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: After one year all the clinical scores were improved in both patients. MRI showed þlling of the defects with hyaline-like tissue with reduction of subchondral bone edema. Conclusions: Even though the MACÏ technique is mostly performed with an open procedure, the site of these lesions could not be reached without sacrifying tendinous and ligamentous structures of the knee. The arthroscopic approach allowed to achieve an optimal view of the lesion and appeared the best solution for these patients. The size of these defects was too large for bone marrow stimulation techniques and/or osteochondral grafts to be successful. The development of dedicated instruments for arthroscopic MACÏ will allow to improve and simplify the surgical procedure.
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.
