Gel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) over the years have shown encouraging results in repairing the articular cartilage. More recently, the use of cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has represented a promising treatment option with the potential to differentiate and restore the hyaline cartilage in a more efficient way. This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcome obtained in these two groups.

Twenty-eight consecutive symptomatic patients diagnosed with full-thickness cartilage defects were assigned to two treatment groups (16 patients cultured bone marrow-derived MSC and 12 patients with gel-type ACI). The MSC group patients underwent microfracture and bone marrow aspiration in the first stage and injection of cultured MSC into the knee in the second stage. Clinical and radiological results were compared at a minimum follow up of five years

There was excellent clinical outcome noted with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both ACI and MSC group showed significant improvement of the KOOS, Lysholm and IKDC scores as compared to their preoperative values and this was maintained at 5 years follow up. The average MOCART score for all lesions was also nearly similar in the two groups. The mean T2* relaxation-times for the repair tissue and native cartilage were 27.8 and 30.6 respectively in the ACI group and 28 and 29.6 respectively in the MSC group.

Use of cultured MSC is less invasive, technically simpler and also avoids the need for a second surgery as compared to an ACI technique. With similar encouraging clinical results seen and the proven ability to restore true hyaline cartilage, cultured MSC represent a favorable treatment option in articular cartilage repair.

Chondral defects of the knee are common and often seen in young and active individuals. A novel single stage arthroscopic technique for the treatment of articular cartilage defects in the knee is described. This involves microfracture and application of concentrated bone marrow aspirate cells (BMAC) with fibrin and Hyaluronic Acid as a gel. After a representative preclinical study, the 5 year results of a prospective clinical study are presented.

The pre-clinical study involved two groups of rabbits with standardised lesions treated with microfracture alone and microfracture combined with fibrin/HA/BMAC application. New cartilage from both groups was subjected to staining with H&E for tissue morphology, toluidine blue (collagen) and safranin O (GAG), immunohistochemistry with antibodies for collagen type I and II, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy to analyse the microstructural morphologies. The fibrin/HA/BMAC group scored better than the microfracture group on all tests.

A subsequent prospective clinical study patients (n=60) with symptomatic ICRS grade III/IV chondral defects (lesion size 2–8cm2). The surgical procedure involved debridement of the lesion, micro-fracture and application of fibrin/HA/BMAC gel under CO2 insufflation. Patients underwent morphological evaluation with MRI (T2*-mapping and d-GEMRIC scans). Clinical assessment employed the Lysholm, IKDC and KOOS scores while radiological assessment was performed with MOCART score.

At 5 years, Lysholm score was 78, compared to 51 pre-operatively (p<0.05). KOOS (symptomatic) improved to 90 from 66 (p<0.05). IKDC (subjective) went to 80 from 39 (p<0.05). The mean T2* relaxation-times for the repair tissue and native cartilage were 26 and 29.9 respectively. Average MOCART score for all lesions was 70.

This technique shows encouraging clinical results at 5 year follow-up. The morphological MRI shows good cartilage defect filling and the biochemical MRI suggests hyaline like repair tissue.

Introduction

We describe a single stage arthroscopic procedure for the treatment of articular cartilage defects in the knee. The novel procedure involves microdrilling and application of atellocollagen and fibrin gel. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes at 4 years.

We describe a novel single stage arthroscopic repair procedure for articular cartilage defect in the knee. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes at two years.

The pre-clinical study involved two groups of New Zealand rabbits, treated with microfracture alone and microfracture combined with fibrin gel and concentrated bone marrow aspirate cells (BMAC) application. New cartilage from both groups was studied with histological staining, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The fibrin gel-BMAC group scored better than the microfracture group on all counts.

This is a prospective study of 30 patients with symptomatic ICRS grade III/IV chondral defects, ranging from 2–8 cm², which were assessed clinically and radiologically. The surgical procedure involved debridement of the lesion, microfracture and arthroscopic application of concentrated BMAC with fibrin gel under CO₂ insufflation. Patients underwent morphological MRI, quantitative T2*-mapping and d-GEMRIC scan. Clinical assessment was carried out using the Lysholm, IKDC and KOOS scores while radiological assessment used the MOCART score.

At 2 year follow-up, Lysholm score was 80.1, as compared to 50.8 pre-operatively (p < 0.05). KOOS (symptomatic) was 92.1, as compared to 65.7 pre-operatively. IKDC (subjective) was 83, up from 39 preoperatively. The mean T2* relaxation-times for the repair tissue and native cartilage were 29.1 and 29.9 respectively. Average MOCART score for all lesions was 72.

Our technique shows encouraging clinical and radiological results. The morphological MRI shows good cartilage defect filling and the biochemical MRI (T2*-mapping) suggests hyaline like repair tissue.

The most appropriate bearings in young patients remain highly debated. The aim of this metaanalysis was to summaries the best available evidence on relative success of the three most popular bearings [metal-on-poly (MOP), metal-on-metal (MOM) and ceramic-on-ceramic (COC)] used in total hip replacement (THR) in young active patients.

All the relevant studies published in the English language were retrieved. Studies with THR in patients with mean age less than 55 years of age were selected. The survivorship analysis for the three important bearings at 10 years was evaluated.

Ten-year survival rates suggest that MOM bearings performed significantly better than MOP (p=0.01) and COC (p=0.001). MOP revealed higher survival rates than COC bearings (p=0.05).

Our findings support the use of MOM bearings in the management of the young arthritic hip. These findings, largely based upon observational studies should be taken in context to the limitations of such non-randomized study designs.