Clinical Aspects of Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation

Despite its highly specialized nature, articular cartilage has a poor reparative capability. Therefore chondral and osteochondral lesions remain a difficult problem for the patient and the physician. Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation was first reported 1994 by Brittberg et al. as an alternative for the treatment of these injuries. Since the original description of Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation many new techniques and technique modifications have been reported. Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation today is the only reliable biological reconstruction method for localised cartilage defects of more than 4 cm2, especially for symptomatic defects in the knee. However, Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation is a relatively costly procedure, since it requires two interventions and cell culturing in vitro. Current literature and techniques of Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation are reviewed and a treatment algorithm is presented.