Riedl M, Vadalà G, Papalia R, Denaro V. Three-dimensional, Scaffold-Free, Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation: A Systematic Review.
Orthop J Sports Med 2020;
8:2325967120951152. [PMID:
33015211 PMCID:
PMC7509739 DOI:
10.1177/2325967120951152]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
A 3-dimensional, scaffold-free, and completely autologous form of chondrocyte transplantation (ACT3D) has been developed and applied in clinical practice in the past decade to overcome disadvantages of previous-generation procedures.
Purpose:
To document and analyze the available literature on the results of ACT3D in the treatment of articular chondral lesions in the knee and hip joints.
Study Design:
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
All studies published in English addressing ACT3D were identified and included those that fulfilled the following criteria: (1) level 1 through 4 evidence, (2) measures of radiological or functional/clinical outcome, and (3) outcome related to cartilage lesions of the knee and hip joints.
Results:
A total of 10 studies were selected: 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 cohort study, and 7 case series. The studies revealed significant increases in patients’ subjective quality of life, satisfaction, pain reduction, and improvement in joint function at short- to medium-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging-assisted examination and second-look arthroscopy showed a hyaline-like repair tissue with a high degree of defect filling and integration.
Conclusion:
ACT3D shows promising results in the therapy of articular cartilage defects in the knee as well as in the hip, but well-designed, long-term studies are lacking. ACT3D might have relevant advantages over common matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation products, but systematic evaluation and randomized controlled studies are crucial to verify the potential of this tissue-engineered approach.
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