Since June 2002 15 hip autologous chondrocyte transplantations were arthroscopically performed for both acetabular roof and femoral head chondral defects.

15 Patients affected by chondral defect in the hip joint were treated with autologous chondrocyte transplantation. The mean follow up was 13.8 months (range 16 – 12 months) and the chondral defect was classified as 3rd – 4th degree, according to the Outerbridge’s classification. The defects were located on the acetabular roof in 12 cases, on the femoral head in 2 cases and on booths articular surfaces in 1 case.

9 patients were female and 6 male. The mean age was 40.7 years (from 52 to 22).In all cases the procedure was arthroscopically performed.

A Bioseed C tissue was employed as a scaffold for chondrocytes, cultured in a tridimentional shape.

A group of untreated 15 patients, matched for chondral defect degree, sex distribution and mean age was selected as control.

All the Patients of both groups were pre and post operatively evaluated with the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Patients treated with hip autologous chondrocyte transplantation significantly improved after surgery (mean pre-op HHS 51.3; mean post-op HHS 85.3) compared with the untreated group (mean pre-op HHS 52.1; mean post-op HHS 64.5). Worst results were obtained in Patients affected by chondral defect located on the femoral head and when the joint space was reduced.

Hip arthroscopy steel represent a new approach for treatment of hip’s disorders. Chondral defects of the hip can be treated with autologous chondrocyte transplantation, performed by hip arthroscopy. This study demonstrates the efficacy of this procedure compared with untreated patients.