MEMBRANE-SEEDED AUTOLOGOUS CHONDROCYTES IMPLANTATION: CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL RESULTS AT 24 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY

Abstract

The present study analysed the clinical outcome and the histological characteristics of membrane-seeded autolo-gous chondrocytes implantation at 24 month after surgery for chondral defects.

A prospectic study was performed on fifteen patients (8 males and 7 females, mean age 38 years) suffering from cartilage lesions of the knee (12 cases) and the ankle (3 case). The patients underwent matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI). Clinical outcomes were assessed by revised IKDC form and Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Score (KOOS). At 12 months after implantation biopsy samples were obtained from 7 patients. The specimens were analysed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry (ICRS visual histological assessment scale) and histomorphometry (Quantimet 500+).

Improvement 12 months after operation was found subjectively (39.7 to 57.9) and in articular function levels. IKDC scores showed marked improvement at 12 months (88% A/B). 90% of biopsies showed: smooth articular surface, hyaline-like matrix, columnar cell distribution, viable cells, normal subchondral bone, tide-mark. All sections were clearly stained with safranin-O, alcian blue, and revealed immunoreaction for S-100 protein, chondroitin-S and type II collagen.

Clinical improvement and hyaline-like appearance of the repair tissue indicate that MACI implantation is an effective technique for the treatment of cartilage lesions.