Autologous Condrocyte Implantation (ACI), is a method of regenerating articular cartilage cells to be implanted directly into a defect. Carticel is the name given to normal cartilage cells that are harvested from the knee arthroscopically, culturedin a lab in Boston, then reimplanted into the injured area during a 2nd surgical procedure. The cells are held in place with a patch of tissue that is sewn directly to the surrounding cartilage surface. When implanted into an area of cartilage injury, these cells can form new hyaline-like cartilage (cell properties are similar to those of the original cartilage).
Cartilage defect
Cartilage cells implanted with overlying biologic patch
This procedure involves 2 surgeries: one to biopsy the normal cartilage cells, and a second procedure to implant them into the defect. It is best used for large defects (at least 2cm in diameter), or after failing another type of cartilage repair procedure.
The recovery can be long, so this procedure is not for everyone. Weightbearing is usually restricted for up to 3 months. A strict rehabilitation protocol is followed, and may take up to 18 months before return to competitive sports activities.
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