Three-dimensional, Scaffold-Free, Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

A 3-dimensional, scaffold-free, and completely autologous form of chondrocyte transplantation (ACT3D) has been developed and applied in clinical practice in the past decade to overcome disadvantages of previous-generation procedures.

PURPOSE

To document and analyze the available literature on the results of ACT3D in the treatment of articular chondral lesions in the knee and hip joints.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

All studies published in English addressing ACT3D were identified and included those that fulfilled the following criteria: (1) level 1 through 4 evidence, (2) measures of radiological or functional/clinical outcome, and (3) outcome related to cartilage lesions of the knee and hip joints.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were selected: 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 cohort study, and 7 case series. The studies revealed significant increases in patients' subjective quality of life, satisfaction, pain reduction, and improvement in joint function at short- to medium-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging-assisted examination and second-look arthroscopy showed a hyaline-like repair tissue with a high degree of defect filling and integration.

CONCLUSION

ACT3D shows promising results in the therapy of articular cartilage defects in the knee as well as in the hip, but well-designed, long-term studies are lacking. ACT3D might have relevant advantages over common matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation products, but systematic evaluation and randomized controlled studies are crucial to verify the potential of this tissue-engineered approach.