Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI): an innovative technique for articular cartilage defects

Articular cartilage lesions can hardly be regenerated spontaneously in vivo, remain a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. Various techniques have been used to treat this pathology with variable success rates. In recent years, however, regenerative techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, have emerged as possible solutions for the treatment of chondral defects. The use of classic autologous chondro-cyte implantation (first generation) has been associated with several limitations. To overcome these problems, a recent powerful cell based tissue engineering therapy has developed, Chondron™ as a commercial product of third generation autologous chondrocyte implantation. It consists of mixture of biodegradable and biocompatible gel with in vitro cultured autologous chondrocytes. This procedure avoids the use of periosteal flap, further simplifies the surgical procedure with limited time of operation with an arthroscopic procedure. Thus, the surgical morbidity and the recovery time for the patient are extremely reduced with no complications related to septic conditions and periosteal flap. The clinical outcomes of Chondron™ ACI have shown positively significant results.