Abstract
MACI Cartilage Transplantation has been performed in New Zealand for the last five years for patients with isolated articular cartilage defects who have failed a microfracture technique.
Thirteen patients have undergone this procedure. Patients were evaluated by an independent research assistant preoperatively and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 5 years Visual analogue pain score, ICRS score, WOMAC score, KOOS score, IKDC score and SF 36 were collected at all time points. An MRI scan was performed in all patients at all time periods. Biopsies are taken at three years.
There is an improvement in visual analogue pain score, ICRS score, WOMAC score, KOOS score, IKDC score and SF 36 at all time points. Results improve with time. No procedures have failed. All MRI scans showed restoration of articular cartilage. Histology shows hyaline like cartilage
Medium term results are encouraging. The rehabilitation is long thus 12 month data does not give an accurate outcome measure. Ongoing evaluation is occurring.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Associate Professor N. Susan Stott, Orthopaedic Department, Starship Children’s Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand.
