A novel technique for treating cartilage defects in the hip: a fully arthroscopic approach to using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis.

Microfracture is the standard of care for the treatment of small cartilage defects in the hip. Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a novel, 1-step approach that combines microfracture with a type I/III collagen matrix (Chondro-Gide; Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) to cover the microfractured defect area. The AMIC procedure has been successfully established for treating cartilage defects in the knee and talus, and we report, for the first time, its application in the hip. More importantly, at our center, we have developed a fully arthroscopic approach for the use of AMIC in the hip. Arthroscopic procedures are more desirable than open surgery because they are less invasive and hence reduce the risk of complications, such as infection or avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and allow for a shorter recovery time, resulting not only in lower overall treatment costs but also higher patient satisfaction. The arthroscopic AMIC procedure as described in this report, though surgically challenging, represents a viable, cost-effective treatment option for the repair of chondral lesions of the hip, especially when compared with autologous chondrocyte implantation.