[Autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the talus]

Abstract

In contrast to the knee joint, autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is rarely used for treating articular cartilage lesions in the ankle joint. Matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) with the use of biomaterials as cell carriers has facilitated operative application and fixation within the lesion. We have gained experience in the use of two different MACT techniques. According to the Hannover scoring system for the ankle and visual analog scores, results improved significantly (p<or=0.001) after MACT with the Hyalograft C in nine ankles at a mean follow-up of 3.7 years (range 2.6-4.8 years). All patients had undergone prior operative treatment for the cartilage lesion. Two patients were rated as excellent and seven as good. According to the ICRS cartilage repair assessment score, the transplanted areas were rated nearly normal (grade II) in seven patients who underwent undergone repeat arthroscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that in the majority of cases, filling of the defect was accomplished with a nonhomogeneous surface and structure of the graft. The use of a purely arthroscopically applicable three-dimensional MACT (ARTROcell 3D) with chondrospheres further facilitates the process and reduces operative morbidity. We have included eight patients in a prospective study so far. Six patients had undergone prior operative treatment for the cartilage lesion. In two cases, culturing of the cells failed for unexplained reasons; therefore, only six patients finally received the MACT with chondrospheres, and only four patients were evaluated at a 6-month follow-up examination. Thus, valid results cannot be reported. In revision cases, MACT is suggested to be a reliable alternative for treating articular cartilage lesions of the talus, but longer-term results in more patients remain to be evaluated.