| Summary: | Treatment of Deep Chondral Defects in the Knee with Autologous Chondrocytes Fixed on a Scaffold Form of Hyaluronic Acid Esters (Hyalograft C) Abstract Aim of the study In the past few years we have seen further progress in the treatment of chondral defects by transplanting autologous chondrocytes. Different biomaterials are used as temporary carriers for fixation and an even distribution of chondrocytes in the defects. Since 2003 we have implemented a clinical trial for the treatment of deep chondral defects in the knee by transplanting autologous chondrocytes fixed in a scaffold from hyaluronic acid esters (Hyalograft C). This material has been evaluated in a prospective study. Material We evaluated results in 8 transplanted patients (7 males and 1 female, average age 31 years) with a minimal follow up of 9 months after surgery. Defects of an average size of 3,9 cm2 were localized on femoral condyles. Method We evaluated the functional outcomes (IKDC, K.OOS, Lysholm score) and performed MRI before and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The newly formed cartilage was controlled visually (ICRS visual score) during a second-look arthroscopy at 9 to 12 months after transplantation. We compared the stiffness of the repair tissue at the site of the original defect with the surrounding cartilage using a specially...
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