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. 2010 Jan;1(1):65-8.
doi: 10.1177/1947603509360044.

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC): Combining Microfracturing and a Collagen I/III Matrix for Articular Cartilage Resurfacing

J P Benthien  1 , P Behrens  2
Affiliations

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC): Combining Microfracturing and a Collagen I/III Matrix for Articular Cartilage Resurfacing

J P Benthien et al. Cartilage. 2010 Jan.

Abstract

Options for the treatment of cartilage defects include chondral resurfacing with abrasion, debridement, autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), matrix-induced chondrocyte transplantation (MACI), or osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS). This article describes the new method of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), a 1-step procedure combining subchondral microfracture with the fixation of a collagen I/III membrane by a partially autologous fibrin glue. Indications and contraindications are provided; a technical note is given. This method is primarily applied in osteochondral lesions of the knee and ankle joints; other joints may qualify.

Keywords: AMIC; autologous cartilage repair; microfracturing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The defect is clearly visible on the medial left femoral condyle. The arthroscopic view (A) demonstrates a grade 4 lesion according to the Outerbridge classification. This is confirmed by a mini open arthrotomy (B). (C) Reproduced with kind permission by Geistlich (Wolhusen, Switzerland).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
(A) After curettage of the lesion, microfracturing may be performed. A blood clot should form. (B) Reproduced with kind permission by Geistlich (Wolhusen, Switzerland).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
(A) The collagen membrane is fixed with partially autologous fibrin glue, which is the original AMIC method. Allogenic fibrin glue may also be applied for fixation. (B) Reproduced with kind permission by Geistlich (Wolhusen, Switzerland).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
(A) The collagen membrane is definitely fixed with partially autologous fibrin glue. (B) Reproduced with kind permission by Geistlich (Wolhusen, Switzerland).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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