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01-01-2016 | Original Paper

Analysis of the autologous chondrocyte quality of matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee joint

Authors: Thomas R. Niethammer, Kerstin Limbrunner, Oliver B. Betz, Mehmet F. Gülecyüz, Matthias F. Pietschmann, Markus Feist, Peter E. Müller

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Matrix based autologous chondrocyte implantation is an established method for treatment of full cartilage defects in the knee joint, but little is known about the influence of the implanted autologous chondrocyte quality and its clinical value. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the gene expression of the implanted autologous chondrocytes on the clinical outcomes in the follow-up period of three years.

Methods

Biological parameters of the implanted chondrocytes were analysed histologically and immunohistologically. An analysis of the gene expression of the relevant chondrogenic dedifferentiation markers was performed as well. In order to detect the rate of apoptosis, we analysed specific apoptosis markers. To evaluate the clinical outcome, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used pre-operatively and after 0.5, one, two and three years.

Results

Significantly improved clinical scores were observed. The subjective IKDC score increased from 50.6 ± 20.7 points to 69.3 ± 26.1 points at three years (p = 0.001). The implanted chondrocytes showed a typical expression of the chondrogenic markers with a high rate of collagen type II expression without dedifferentiation. The analysed differentiation, dedifferentiation and apoptosis markers showed no influence on the clinical outcome.

Conclusions

The implanted autologous chondrocytes have a high chondrogenic quality with a high rate of collagen type II expression without dedifferentiation. An influence of differentiation, de-differentiation and apoptosis marker gene expression on the clinical outcomes could not be found in a follow-up period of three years.

Level of evidence: Case series; Level of evidence, 3

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Title: Analysis of the autologous chondrocyte quality of matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee joint
Authors: Thomas R. Niethammer
Kerstin Limbrunner
Oliver B. Betz
Mehmet F. Gülecyüz
Matthias F. Pietschmann
Markus Feist
Peter E. Müller
Publication date: 01-01-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2825-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Analysis of the autologous chondrocyte quality of matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee joint

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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