Feasibility of arthroscopic 3-dimensional, purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation for chondral defects of the hip: a case series.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe technical aspects of arthroscopic, purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation of the hip and to report short-term data of the postoperative outcome in a consecutive series of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed six patients with a full-thickness chondral defect of the hip joint. The defect was treated with an arthroscopically applicable 3-dimensional purely autologous chondrocyte transplant product (chondrosphere(®); co.don(®) AG, Berlin, Germany) in a two-step surgical procedure. Patient-administered scores were assessed at baseline (day before transplantation) and at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Six out of six initially included patients (five males, one female) with a median age of 32.5 years and an average defect size of 3.5 cm(2) were available for follow-up after a mean of 11.2 months. Five acetabular and one femoral defect were treated. An overall statistically significant improvement was observed for all assessment scores (NHS, mHHS and SF 36).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we displayed the feasibility and technical aspects of arthroscopic matrix-associated, purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation as a treatment option for full-thickness cartilage defects of the hip. The patient-administered assessment scores demonstrated an increase in activity level and quality of life after a 1-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.