engleski

Early Results of Minced Cartilage Impplantation (MCI) for Symptomatic Full-Thicknes Cartilage Defect of the Knee

INTRODUCTION: Articular cartilage injuries are common joint injuries with little healing potential and their treatment is still a challenge. Various therapeutic options have been developed, but each of them has its own drawbacks. The third generation of Minced Cartilage Implantation (MCI) represents a relatively simple, cost-effective, autologous, and fully arthroscopic one-stage procedure with high biological potential. Here we present the short-term results of MCI performed using the AutoCart system (Arthrex Inc., Naples, USA) for symptomatic small to medium size weight-bearing full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee. Coexisting pathologies such as ligamentous instability, mechanical axis malalignment, and meniscal pathology are addressed as needed. AIM: The aim was to compare our results of MCI using the AutoCart system (Arthrex Inc., Naples, USA) with previously available results in literature. METHODS: The short-term results of MCI were evaluated by the MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) 2.0 Knee Score 1, and with second-look arthroscopy. Seven months after the surgery, a second look arthroscopy was performed to evaluate the treated cartilage defect prior to biplanar high tibial osteotomy. RESULTS: Seven months after the surgery, the cartilage tissue repair was evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART). The MOCART score was 75 of 100 points. At the same time, a second look arthroscopy has shown that the cartilage defect was completely healed showing soft cartilage on palpation with an arthroscopy hook. CONCLUSION: MCI is an autologous procedure and has good biologic potential. It can be placed completely arthroscopically in a one-stage surgery. Our short-term results are comparable to results found in literature. Although further research on long-term results and the setting of clear indication limits are needed, this promising method provides additional options in the treatment of cartilage defects

cartilage, defect, minced, MCI

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