Autologous collagen induced chondrogenesis (ACIC: Shetty-Kim technique) - A matrix based acellular single stage arthroscopic cartilage repair technique

Atelocollagen-Induced Chondrogenesis Versus Microfracture Alone for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Surgical Technique and a 1-Year Clinical Outcome Study

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a common cause of post-traumatic ankle pain and disability. Atelocollagen-induced chondrogenesis (ACIC) aims to encourage the development of hyaline cartilage, which is biomechanically superior to fibrocartilage. This single-center, retrospective database study assessed patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture with or without atelocollagen scaffold augmentation for OLT. Between 2010 and 2019, 87 patients underwent microfracture only and 31 patients underwent ACIC. Propensity score matching was used to match the ACIC group in a 1:2 ratio to a corresponding microfracture-only group using logistic regression. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and satisfaction were assessed at preoperative, 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups after matching (P > .05). Both groups had similar improvements to VAS, AOFAS, and SF-36 scores up to 12 months (P > .05). Both groups had significant 1-year improvements to physical functioning, physical limitations in usual role activities, pain, and social functioning domains, but the ACIC group additionally had significant improvements to general health, vitality, and mental health. Patients in the ACIC group were also more satisfied than the microfracture group at all time points. Patients with OLTs who underwent ACIC reported superior satisfaction and improvements to quality of life, although clinical outcomes were similar to those who underwent microfracture alone at 1 year.Level of Evidence: Level III: Cohort study.

Dry Arthroscopic Cartilage Repair of the Knee Joint Using Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Kelly Clamp Technique

Among various cartilage regeneration treatments, methods using mesenchymal stem cells, whose safety and effectiveness have been verified, are emerging. Mesenchymal stem cell can be implanted through open arthrotomy or arthroscopy. Although arthroscopic surgery has the advantage of earlier recovery and less scar formation compared to open arthrotomy, dry arthroscopy is not technically easy, which is necessary for successful implantation and prevention of washout. This Technical Note will introduce an easier and more effective method of dry arthroscopic mesenchymal stem cell implantation.

Mesenchymal and induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapeutics: a comparison

Stem cell-based cell therapeutics and especially those based on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are said to have enormous developmental potential in the coming years. Their applications range from the treatment of orthopedic disorders and cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune diseases and even cancer. However, while more than 27 hMSC-derived therapeutics are currently commercially available, hiPSC-based therapeutics have yet to complete the regulatory approval process. Based on a review of the current commercially available hMSC-derived therapeutic products and upcoming hiPSC-derived products in phase 2 and 3, this paper compares the cell therapy manufacturing process between these two cell types. Moreover, the similarities as well as differences are highlighted and the resulting impact on the production process discussed. Here, emphasis is placed on (i) hMSC and hiPSC characteristics, safety, and ethical aspects, (ii) their morphology and process requirements, as well as (iii) their 2- and 3-dimensional cultivations in dependence of the applied culture medium and process mode. In doing so, also downstream processing aspects are covered and the role of single-use technology is discussed. KEY POINTS: • Mesenchymal and induced pluripotent stem cells exhibit distinct behaviors during cultivation • Single-use stirred bioreactor systems are preferred for the cultivation of both cell types • Future research should adapt and modify downstream processes to available single-use devices.

Autologous Collagen-Induced Chondrogenesis: From Bench to Clinical Development

Microfracture is a common technique that uses bone marrow components to stimulate cartilage regeneration. However, the clinical results of microfracture range from poor to good. To enhance cartilage healing, several reinforcing techniques have been developed, including porcine-derived collagen scaffold, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan. Autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis (ACIC) is a single-step surgical technique for cartilage regeneration that combines gel-type atelocollagen scaffolding with microfracture. Even though ACIC is a relatively new technique, literature show excellent clinical results. In addition, all procedures of ACIC are performed arthroscopically, which is increasing in preference among surgeons and patients. The ACIC technique also is called the Shetty–Kim technique because it was developed from the works of A.A. Shetty and S.J. Kim. This is an up-to-date review of the history of ACIC.

Injectable cultured bone marrow derived mesenchymal cells vs chondrocytes in the treatment of chondral defects of the knee - RCT with 6 years follow-up

Articular cartilage has unique biological and biomechanical characteristics. Damage to this tissue fails to heal spontaneously, leading to progressive arthritis. Cartilage repair techniques have been looked forward to in the treatment of significant cartilage injuries. Cell-based regenerative techniques like the two-staged cultured chondrocytes and single-stage mesenchymal cell transplantation have been tried with varying results and limitations. We study the outcomes of cultured bone marrow derived MSCs in the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee in comparison to autologous cultured chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Both cultured MSC and ACI treatment methods resulted in significant improvements in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). There was no difference in the PROMs, MOCART scores, T2∗ mapping and dGEMRIC values between the groups. Use of cultured MSCs leads to good clinical outcomes similar to ACI and represents a promising treatment to restore the articular cartilage in the knee.

Biomimetic Trachea Engineering via a Modular Ring Strategy Based on Bone-Marrow Stem Cells and Atelocollagen for Use in Extensive Tracheal Reconstruction

The fabrication of biomimetic tracheas with a architecture of cartilaginous rings alternately interspersed between vascularized fibrous tissue (CRVFT) has the potential to perfectly recapitulate the normal tracheal structure and function. Herein, the development of a customized chondroitin-sulfate-incorporating type-II atelocollagen (COL II/CS) scaffold with excellent chondrogenic capacity and a type-I atelocollagen (COL I) scaffold to facilitate the formation of vascularized fibrous tissue is described. An efficient modular ring strategy is then adopted to develop a CRVFT-based biomimetic trachea. The in vitro engineering of cartilaginous rings is achieved via the recellularization of ring-shaped COL II/CS scaffolds using bone marrow stem cells as a mimetic for native cartilaginous ring tissue. A CRVFT-based trachea with biomimetic mechanical properties, composed of bionic biochemical components, is additionally successfully generated in vivo via the alternating stacking of cartilaginous rings and ring-shaped COL I scaffolds on a silicone pipe. The resultant biomimetic trachea with pedicled muscular flaps is used for extensive tracheal reconstruction and exhibits satisfactory therapeutic outcomes with structural and functional properties similar to those of native trachea. This is the first study to utilize stem cells for long-segmental tracheal cartilaginous regeneration and this represents a promising method for extensive tracheal reconstruction.

Past, present, and future of cartilage restoration: from localized defect to arthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis, one of the most common joint diseases, is characterized by the loss of joint function due to articular cartilage destruction. Herein, we review current and previous research involving the clinical applications of arthritis therapy and suggest potential therapeutic options for osteoarthritis in the future.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TREATMENT

The arthroscopic cartilage regeneration procedure or realignment osteotomy has been performed as a joint-conserving procedure in cases where conservative treatment for damaged articular cartilage and early osteoarthritis failed. If cartilage regeneration is ineffective or if the joint damage progresses, arthroplasty is the main treatment option. The need for biological arthritis treatment has expanded as the healthy lifespan of the global population has increased. Accordingly, minimally invasive surgical treatment has been developed for the treatment of damaged cartilage and early osteoarthritis. However, patients generally prefer to avoid all types of surgery, including minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, in the future, the treatment of osteoarthritis will likely involve injection or medication.

CONCLUSION

Currently, arthritis management primarily involves the surgical application of therapeutic agents to the joints. However, nonsurgical or prophylactic methods are expected to become mainstream arthritis therapies in the future.

Dry arthroscopy with a simple retraction technique for knee joint cartilage repair using allogenic human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cell treatment has become more widely available and has shown promising potential for the repair of knee articular cartilage defects. More recently, open arthrotomy has been performed via a para-patellar incision for cartilage repair using allogenic human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). However, arthroscopy allows better visualization and leads to earlier gain of the range of motion and less scar formation than open arthrotomy, especially in the knee joint. In this study, we present an easy and effective technique for arthroscopic hUCB-MSCs implantation without any special equipment.

Patellofemoral joint degeneration: A review of current management

The patellofemoral component of the knee joint is affected by a wide range of degenerative causes without involving the other parts of the knee. It is often the presenting pathology in early knee osteoarthritis and missed due to a variable presentation. Accurate examination and focused investigation can help with early diagnosis and guide treatment. Various aspects to treatment need to be addressed after thorough evaluation. Guidelines to approach the multifactorial pathology of the patello-femoral joint are provided with focus on the degenerative component of disease.

Cell-Free Scaffolds in Cartilage Knee Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Evidence

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate current evidence and results of cell-free scaffold techniques for knee chondral lesions.

DESIGN

A systematic review was conducted on 3 medical electronic databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, and the methodological quality was assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score. A meta-analysis was performed on the articles reporting results for visual analogue scale (VAS), Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. In order to investigate the clinical results improvement over time of cell-free cartilage scaffold implantation, all scores were reported and analyzed as improvement from basal scores at 1, 2, and ≥3 years' follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies involving 521 patients were included in the qualitative data synthesis. The Coleman score showed an overall poor study quality with the majority of studies reporting results at short-/mid-term follow-up. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, showing a significant improvement from basal score at 1, 2, and ≥3 years' follow-up. The improvement reached at 1 year remained stable up to the last follow-up for all scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature suggests that cell-free scaffolds may provide good clinical short-/mid-term results; however, the low evidence of the published studies and their short mean follow-up demand further evidence before more definitive conclusions can be drawn on their real potential over time and on their advantages and disadvantages compared to the cell-based strategies for the treatment of cartilage lesions.

Next-Generation Marrow Stimulation Technology for Cartilage Repair: Basic Science to Clinical Application

»

Given the relatively high prevalence of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions, including in patients who are <40 years of age, and an inability to detect some of these lesions until the time of arthroscopy, there is value in performing a single-stage cartilage procedure such as marrow stimulation (MS).

»

While the positive outcomes of first-generation MS (namely microfracture) have been observed to drop off after 24 months in several studies, improvements have been seen when compared with preoperative conditions for lesions that are 2 to 3 cm2 in size, and MS is considered to be a procedure with technical simplicity, fairly short surgical times, and relatively low morbidity. A recent study showed that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation remain viable treatment options for chondral defects of the knee in the setting of failed MS.

»

Basic science principles that have been elucidated in recent years include (1) the creation of vertical walls during defect preparation, (2) an increased depth of subchondral penetration, (3) a smaller awl diameter, and (4) an increased number of subchondral perforations, which are all thought to help resolve issues of access to the mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and the subchondral bone structure/overgrowth issues.

»

Pioneering and evolving basic science and clinical studies have led to next-generation clinical applications, such as a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold (ongoing randomized controlled trial [RCT]), an atelocollagen-based gel (as described in a recently published RCT), a micronized allogeneic cartilage scaffold (as described in a recently completed prospective cohort study), and a biosynthetic hydrogel that is composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) diacrylate and denatured fibrinogen (as described in an ongoing prospective study).

»

This review summarizes important points for defect preparation and the recent advances in MS techniques and identifies specific scaffolding augmentation strategies (e.g., mesenchymal augmentation and scaffold stimulation [MASS]) that have the capacity to advance cartilage regeneration in light of recent laboratory and clinical studies.

Articular cartilage repair using autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis (ACIC): a pragmatic and cost-effective enhancement of a traditional technique

PURPOSE

The autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis technique is described, and the results of a 6-year follow-up clinical study using this technique are presented.

METHODS

30 patients with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Grade III/IVa symptomatic chondral defects of the knee treated with enhanced microdrilling using atelocollagen were prospectively examined in this clinical series. The median age of the patients was 39.0 years (range 19-61 years). Patients were followed up to 72 months. Clinical evaluation was performed using functional knee scores and radiologically. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments were performed.

RESULTS

Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement was observed in 2 years and was sustained for the 6 years of the study observation. At 6 years, the mean Lysholm score was 79.7 (SD 6.8) compared to 52.6 (SD 10.7) pre-operatively (p < 0.05). The symptomatic Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) improved from 68.3 (SD 11.4) to 90.2 (SD 4.3) (p < 0.05). The subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) also showed improvement from 39.1 (SD 4.1) to 81.6 (SD 7.8) (p  < 0.05). The calculated T2* relaxation times were 26.0 (SD 4.2) seconds and 30.3 (SD 6.2) seconds for the repair tissue and native cartilage, respectively. The average magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was 78.5 (SD 9.6) for all lesions.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced microdrilling using atelocollagen is an enhancement of the traditional microfracture method using an off-the-shelf product. When used to treat moderate to severe chondral lesions, this enhancement produces hyaline-like cartilage with a corresponding improvement in symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Atelocollagen promotes chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Effective engineering approaches for cartilage regeneration involve a combination of cells and biomaterial scaffolds. Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important sources for cartilage regeneration. Atelocollagen provides a suitable substrate for MSC attachment and enhancing chondrogenic differentiation. Here, we assessed the chondrogenic potential of adipose tissue derived human MSCs (hMSCs) mixed with atelocollagen gel. We observed cell attachment, viability, and microstructures by electron microscopy over 21 days. The levels of Sox9, type II collagen, aggrecan, type I collagen, Runx2, type X collagen, ALP, Osterix, and MMP13 were measured by RT-qPCR. Cartilage matrix-related proteins were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), histology, and immunohistochemistry. hMSCs of all groups exhibited well-maintained cell survival, distribution and morphology. Abundant type II collagen fibers developed on day 21; while Sox9, type II collagen, and aggrecan expression increased over time in the atelocollagen group. However, type I collagen, RUNX2, type X collagen (CoL10A1), Osterix, and ALP were not expressed. These results corroborated the protein expression detected by ELISA. Further, histological analysis revealed lacunae-like structures, while staining demonstrated glycosaminoglycan accumulation. Cumulatively, these results indicate that atelocollagen scaffolds improve hMSC chondrogenic differentiation and are a potential approach for cartilage regeneration.

Evaluation of Collagen Gel-Associated Human Nasal Septum-Derived Chondrocytes As a Clinically Applicable Injectable Therapeutic Agent for Cartilage Repair

BACKGROUND

Articular cartilage injury has a poor repair ability and limited regeneration capacity with therapy based on articular chondrocytes (ACs) implantation. Here, we validated the hypothesis that human nasal septum-derived chondrocytes (hNCs) are potent therapeutic agents for clinical use in cartilage tissue engineering using an injectable hydrogel, type I collagen (COL1).

METHODS

We manufactured hNCs incorporated in clinical-grade soluble COL1 and investigated their clinical potential as agents in an articular defect model.

RESULTS

The hNCs encapsulated in COL1 (hNC-collagen) were uniformly distributed throughout the collagen and showed much greater growth rate than hACs encapsulated in collagen for the 14 days of culture. Fluorescent staining of hNC-collagen showed high expression levels of chondrocyte-specific proteins under clinical conditions. Moreover, a negative mycoplasma screening result were obtained in culture of hNC-collagen. Notably, implantation of hNC-collagen increased the repair of osteochondral defects in rats compared with implantation of collagen only. Many human cells were detected within the cartilage defects.

CONCLUSION

These results provide reliable evidences supporting for clinical applications of hNC-collagen in regenerative medicine for cartilage repair.

Optimization of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes for cartilage regeneration in a 3D printed knee joint model

A cell therapy product of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-transduced chondrocytes has been commercialized to treat osteoarthritis of the knee via intra-articular injection. The need for arthroscopic application of the cells to simultaneously treat intra-articular pathologies of knee osteoarthritis is increasingly urgent. The purpose of this study was to optimize TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes for arthroscopic application. The optimal composition of chondrocytes and thrombin was initially determined by measuring the consolidation time of a diverse ratio of chondrocytes and thrombin mixed with 1 ml of fibrinogen. The consolidation time of the diverse ratio of fibrinogen and atelocollagen mixed with the determined optimal ratio of chondrocytes and thrombin was evaluated. The mixture of the determined optimal ratio of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes, atelocollagen, fibrinogen, and thrombin was applied to the cartilage defect of the 3D printed knee joint model arthroscopically. The status of the mixture in the defect was then evaluated. Chondrogenic activities of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes mixed with atelocollagen were evaluated. The determined ratio of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes to thrombin was 8:2 and that of fibrin to atelocollagen was also 8:2. Excellent maintenance of conformation of the mixture of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes, atelocollagen, fibrinogen, and thrombin in the cartilage defect of the 3D printed knee joint model was observed arthroscopically. Increased chondrogenic activities were observed in the group of TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes mixed with atelocollagen. TGF-β1-transduced chondrocytes can be applied arthroscopically to treat cartilage defects of the knee at an optimized mixing ratio of atelocollagen, fibrinogen, and thrombin.

A cost-effective cell- and matrix-based minimally invasive single-stage chondroregenerative technique developed with validated vertical translation methodology

Introduction The morbidity and significant health economic impact associated with the chondral lesion has led to a large number of strategies for therapeutic neochondrogenesis. The challenge has been to develop techniques that are cost effective single-stage procedures with minimal surgical trauma that have undergone rigorous preclinical scrutiny and robust reproducible assessment of effectiveness. A biological repair requires the generation of a cellular and matrix composite with appropriate signalling for chondrogenic differentiation. Methods and results A technique was developed that allowed chondrogenic primary (uncultured) cells from bone marrow aspirate concentrate, combined with a composite hydrophilic and fibrillar matrix to be applied arthroscopically to a site of a chondral lesion. The construct was tested in vitro and in animal experiments before clinical trials. Clinical trials involved 60 patients in a prospective study. Symptomatic International Cartilage Repair Society grade 3 and 4a lesions were mapped and treated. Pre- and postoperative clinical assessments showed statistically significant improved outcomes; Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (mean 52.8 to > 76.4; P < 0.05) International Knee Documentation Committee (mean 39 to > 79 P < 0.05) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (64.5 to >89.2 P < 0.05). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated morphologically (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue, average MOCART score 72) and qualitatively; the regenerate was comparable to native cartilage. Conclusions This technique is effective, affordable, requires no complex tools and delivers a single-stage treatment that is potentially accessible to any centre capable of performing arthroscopic surgery. Good clinical results were found to be sustained at five years of follow-up with a regenerate that appears hyaline like using multiple magnetic resonance measures.

Emerging Concepts in Treating Cartilage, Osteochondral Defects, and Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Ankle

The management and treatment of cartilage lesions, osteochondral defects, and osteoarthritis remain a challenge in orthopedics. Moreover, these entities have different behaviors in different joints, such as the knee and the ankle, which have inherent differences in function, biology, and biomechanics. There has been a huge development on the conservative treatment (new technologies including orthobiologics) as well as on the surgical approach. Some surgical development upraises from technical improvements including advanced arthroscopic techniques but also from increased knowledge arriving from basic science research and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches. This work addresses the state of the art concerning basic science comparing the knee and ankle as well as current options for treatment. Furthermore, the most promising research developments promising new options for the future are discussed.