Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) and Microfractures for Focal Chondral Defects of the Knee: A Medium-Term Comparative Study

Knee Cartilage Injuries in Football Players: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport After Surgical Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature and analyze clinical outcomes and return-to-sport after surgical management of cartilage injuries in football players.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review was performed in August 2023 on PubMed, WebOfScience, and Cochrane Library to collect studies on surgical strategies for cartilage lesions in football players. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the modified Coleman Methodology score and RoB2 and RoBANS2 tools.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies on 409 football players (86% men, 14% women) were included: nine prospective and two retrospective case series, one randomized controlled trial, one prospective comparative study, one case report, and one survey. Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) techniques were the most documented. The lesion size influenced the treatment choice: debridement was used for small lesions (1.1 cm2), BMS, osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), matrix-assisted autologous chondrocytes transplantation (MACT), and scaffold-augmented BMS for small/mid-size lesions (2.2-3.0 cm2), and autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI) for larger lesions (5.8 cm2). The surgical options yielded different results in terms of clinical outcome and return-to-sport, with fastest recovery for debridement and scaffold-augmented BMS. The current evidence is limited with large methodological quality variation (modified Coleman Methodology score 43.5/100) and a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-making in cartilage injuries seems to privilege early return-to-sport, making debridement and microfractures the most used techniques. The lesion size influences the treatment choice. However, the current evidence is limited. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish a case-based approach to treat cartilage injuries in football players based on the specific patient and lesion characteristics and the treatments' potential in terms of both return-to-sport and long-term results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level IV.

Rehabilitation of Soccer Players' Knee Injuries: Cartilage Reconstruction, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery, and Intensive Recovery-A Pilot Study

Knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage and cartilage defects, are highly prevalent among athletes and affect their sports performance and long-term joint function. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive combination therapy approach for individuals with ACL and cartilage injuries. Twelve professional soccer players aged 18 to 30 years underwent bone-tendon-bone ACL reconstruction, microfracture cartilage repair surgery, and hyaluronic acid scaffold treatment. Early postoperative rehabilitation included immediate supervised physiotherapy and complete weight bearing. Follow-up assessments involved clinical evaluations, functional joint assessments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to measure cartilage defect repair and symptom alleviation. The results showed that patients resumed pain-free activities within 3-4 weeks and returned to their pre-injury level within 4.5 months. MRI demonstrated the absence of inflammatory reactions, repair of marrow edema, and the emergence of new cartilage. Six months and one year after surgery, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire results demonstrated considerable improvement in patients' health condition and quality of life. Overall, the study suggests that the combination of Hyalofast membranes, microfracture surgery, tissue adhesive, and intensive postoperative physical therapy may be a potential alternative to commonly used treatments for patients with ACL rupture, allowing them to recover efficiently and return to sports activities.

Sex-dependent variation in cartilage adaptation: from degeneration to regeneration

Despite acknowledgement in the scientific community of sex-based differences in cartilage biology, the implications for study design remain unclear, with many studies continuing to arbitrarily assign demographics. Clinically, it has been well-established that males and females differ in cartilage degeneration, and accumulating evidence points to the importance of sex differences in the field of cartilage repair. However, a comprehensive review of the mechanisms behind this trend and the influence of sex on cartilage regeneration has not yet been presented. This paper aims to summarize current findings regarding sex-dependent variation in knee anatomy, sex hormones' effect on cartilage, and cartilaginous degeneration and regeneration, with a focus on stem cell therapies. Findings suggest that the stem cells themselves, as well as their surrounding microenvironment, contribute to sex-based differences. Accordingly, this paper underscores the contribution of both stem cell donor and recipient sex to sex-related differences in treatment efficacy. Cartilage regeneration is a field that needs more research to optimize strategies for better clinical results; taking sex into account could be a big factor in developing more effective and personalized treatments. The compilation of this information emphasizes the importance of investing further research in sex differences in cartilage biology.

A Randomized Trial of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Versus Alternative Forms of Surgical Cartilage Management in Patients With a Failed Primary Treatment for Chondral or Osteochondral Defects in the Knee

BACKGROUND

There are limited randomized controlled trials with long-term outcomes comparing autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) versus alternative forms of surgical cartilage management within the knee.

PURPOSE

To determine at 5 years after surgery whether ACI was superior to alternative forms of cartilage management in patients after a failed previous treatment for chondral or osteochondral defects in the knee.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

In total, 390 participants were randomly assigned to receive either ACI or alternative management. Patients aged 18 to 55 years with one or two symptomatic cartilage defects who had failed 1 previous therapeutic surgical procedure in excess of 6 months prior were included. Dual primary outcome measures were used: (1) patient-completed Lysholm knee score and (2) time from surgery to cessation of treatment benefit. Secondary outcome measures included International Knee Documentation Committee and Cincinnati Knee Rating System scores, as well as number of serious adverse events. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Lysholm scores were improved by 1 year in both groups (15.4 points [95% CI, 11.9 to 18.8] and 15.2 points [95% CI, 11.6 to 18.9]) for ACI and alternative, with this improvement sustained over the duration of the trial. However, no evidence of a difference was found between the groups at 5 years (2.9 points; 95% CI, -1.8 to 7.5; P = .46). Approximately half of the participants (55%; 95% CI, 47% to 64% with ACI) were still experiencing benefit at 5 years, with time to cessation of treatment benefit similar in both groups (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.32; P > .99). There was a differential effect on Lysholm scores in patients without previous marrow stimulation compared with those with marrow stimulation (P = .03; 6.4 points in favor of ACI; 95% CI, -0.4 to 13.1). More participants experienced a serious adverse event with ACI (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Over 5 years, there was no evidence of a difference in Lysholm scores between ACI and alternative management in patients who had previously failed treatment. Previous marrow stimulation had a detrimental effect on the outcome of ACI.

REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: 48911177.

Long-term cost-effectiveness of matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation in the German health care system: a discrete event simulation

INTRODUCTION

Cartilage defects in the knee can be caused by injury, various types of arthritis, or degeneration. As a long-term consequence of cartilage defects, osteoarthritis can develop over time, often leading to the need for a total knee replacement (TKR). The treatment alternatives of chondral defects include, among others, microfracture, and matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (M-ACI). The purpose of this study was to determine cost-effectiveness of M-ACI in Germany with available mid- and long-term outcome data, with special focus on the avoidance of TKR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed a discrete-event simulation (DES) that follows up individuals with cartilage defects of the knee over their lifetimes. The DES was conducted with a status-quo scenario in which M-ACI is available and a comparison scenario with no M-ACI available. The model included 10,000 patients with articular cartilage defects. We assumed Weibull distributions for short- and long-term effects for implant failures. Model outcomes were costs, number of TKRs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). All analyses were performed from the perspective of the German statutory health insurance.

RESULTS

The majority of patients was under 45 years old, with defect sizes between 2 and 7 cm² (mean: 4.5 cm²); average modeled lifetime was 48 years. In the scenario without M-ACI, 26.4% of patients required a TKR over their lifetime. In the M-ACI scenario, this was the case in only 5.5% of cases. Thus, in the modeled cohort of 10,000 patients, 2700 TKRs, including revisions, could be avoided. Patients treated with M-ACI experienced improved quality of life (22.53 vs. 21.21 QALYs) at higher treatment-related costs (18,589 vs. 14,134 € /patient) compared to those treated without M-ACI, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 3376 € /QALY.

CONCLUSION

M-ACI is projected to be a highly cost-effective treatment for chondral defects of the knee in the German healthcare setting.

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for Focal Chondral Lesions of the Knee: A 2-Year Follow-Up of Clinical, Proprioceptive, and Isokinetic Evaluation

(1) Background: The autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a bio-orthopedic treatment for articular cartilage damage. It combines microfracture surgery with the application of a collagen membrane. The aim of the present study was to report a medium-term follow-up of patients treated with AMIC for focal chondral lesions. (2) Methods: Fourty-eight patients treated surgically and 21 control participants were enrolled in the study. To evaluate the functional outcomes, the proprioceptive (postural stability, postural priority) and isokinetic (peak value of maximum knee extensor and flexor torque in relation to body mass and the total work) measurements were performed. To evaluate the clinical outcomes, the Lysholm score and the IKDC score were imposed. (3) Results: Compared to the preoperative values, there was significant improvement in the first 2 years after intervention in the functional as well as subjective outcome measures. (4) Conclusions: AMIC showed durable results in aligned knees.

Fibrin glue does not promote migration and proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in collagenic membranes: an in vitro study

During Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC), the membrane is often glued into the chondral defect. However, whether fibrin glue influences cells proliferation and migration remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of fibrin glue addition to biologic membranes loaded with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (B-MSCs). A porcine derived collagen membrane (Cartimaix, Matricel GmbH, Germany) was used. B-MSCs were harvested from three different unrelated donors. The membranes were embedded in mounting medium with DAPI (ABCAM, Cambridge, UK) and analysed at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and at 8-week follow-up. The DAPI ties the DNA of the cell nucleus, emitting blue fluorescence. DAPI/nuclei signals were analysed with fluorescence microscopy at 100-fold magnification. The group without fibrin glue demonstrated greater migration of the B-MSCs within the membrane at week 4 (P < 0.001), 6 (P < 0.001), and 8 (P < 0.001). No difference was found at week 1, 2, and 3. The group without fibrin glue demonstrated greater proliferation of B-MSCs within the membrane. These differences were significant at week 1 (P = 0.02), 2 (P = 0.008), 3 (P = 0.0009), 4 (P < 0.0001), 6 (P < 0.0001), 8 (P < 0.0001). Concluding, in the present setting, the use of fibrin in a collagenic biomembrane impairs B-MSCs proliferation and migration in vitro.

Fibrin glue does not assist migration and proliferation of chondrocytes in collagenic membranes: an in vitro study

Background

Some authors secured the membrane during matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (mACI) with fibrin glue or did not use a formal fixation. The real impact of fibrin glue addition on chondrocytes migration and proliferation has not yet been clarified. This study evaluated the impact of fibrin glue on a chondrocyte loaded collagenic membrane.

Methods

A resorbable collagen I/III porcine derived membrane commonly employed in AMIC was used for all experiments. Chondrocytes from three difference donors were used. At 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and at 8-week the membranes were embedded in Mounting Medium with Dapi (ABCAM, Cambridge, UK). The Dapi contained in the mounting medium ties the DNA of the cell nucleus and emits a blue fluorescence. In this way, the spreading of the cells in the membrane can be easily monitored. The outcomes of interest were to evaluate (1) cell migration and (2) cell proliferation within the porous membrane layer. DAPI/nuclei signals were analysed with fluorescence microscope under a magnification of 100-fold.

Results

The no-fibrin group demonstrated greater migration of the cells within the membrane. Although migration resulted higher in the no-fibrin group at every follow-up, this difference was significant only at week 1 (P < 0.001), 2 (P = 0.004), and 3 (P = 0.03). No difference was found at week 3, 6, and 8. The no-fibrin group demonstrated greater proliferation of the chondrocytes within the membrane. These differences were significant at week 4 (P < 0.0001), 6 (P < 0.0001), 8 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The use of fibrin glue over a resorbable membrane leads to lower in vitro proliferation and migration of chondrocytes.

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis is effective for focal chondral defects of the knee

Focal chondral defects of the knee are common and their management is challenging. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for focal chondral defects of the knee. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted (according to the 2020 PRISMA statement) to investigate the efficacy of AMIC in improving symptoms and to compare AMIC versus microfracture (MFx). In January 2022, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase. No time constrain was used for the search. All the clinical trials investigating AMIC and/or those comparing AMIC versus MFx for focal chondral defects of the knee were accessed. Only studies published in peer reviewed journals were considered. Studies which investigated other locations of the defects rather than knee were not eligible, nor those reporting data form mixed locations. Studies which reported data on revision settings, as well as those investigating efficacy on kissing lesions or multiple locations, were not suitable. The mean difference (MD) and odd ratio (OR) effect measure were used for continuous and binary data, respectively. Data from 18 studies (548 patients) were retrieved with a mean follow-up of 39.9 ± 26.5 months. The mean defect size was 3.2 ± 1.0 cm². The visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased of − 3.9/10 (95% confidence interval (CI) − 4.0874 to -3.7126), the Tegner Activity Scale increased of + 0.8/10 (95% CI 0.6595 to 0.9405). The Lysholm Knee Scoring System increased of + 28.9/100 (95% CI 26.8716 to 29.1284), as did the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) + 33.6/100 (95% CI 32.5800 to 34.6200). At last follow-up no patient showed signs of hypertrophy. 4.3% (9 of 210) of patients underwent revision procedures. The rate of failure was 3.8% (9 of 236). Compared to MFx, AMIC demonstrated lower VAS score (MD: − 1.01; 95% CI − 1.97 to 0.05), greater IKDC (MD: 11.80; 95% CI 6.65 to 16.94), and lower rate of revision (OR: 0.16; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.44). AMIC is effective for focal chondral defects of the knee. Furthermore, AMIC evidenced greater IKDC, along with a lower value of VAS and rate of revision compared to MFx.

Chondral injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation: a systematic review

Background

Patellar dislocations in patients presenting with recurrent patellofemoral instability can damage the surrounding structures, limiting patient’s participation to recreational activities and quality of life. This study evaluated frequency, location, and extent of associated injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in July 2021. All the published clinical studies reporting frequency, location, and extent of soft tissue lesions in patients with recurrent patellar dislocations were accessed.

Results

Data from 9 articles (232 patients) were retrieved. The mean age of the included patients was 21.2 ± 5.6 years. 84.8% of patients suffering from recurrent patellar dislocations demonstrated patellar chondral defects: medial facet (34.9%), while patellar crest (34.8%) and lateral facet (17%). 27.8% of patients demonstrated trochlear chondral injuries.

Conclusion

Chondral defects of the medial facet and the crest of the patella are the most common in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability.

Outcomes and complications of the reamer irrigator aspirator versus traditional iliac crest bone graft harvesting: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The reamer irrigator aspirator (RIA) is a relatively recent device that is placed in the medullary canal of long bones to harvest a large volume of bone marrow, which is collected in a filtered canister. This study compares outcomes and complications of the RIA versus a traditional iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) for the treatment of bone defects.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were accessed in June 2021. All clinical trials comparing the RIA and ICBG with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included.

RESULTS

Data from 4819 patients were collected. The RIA group demonstrated lower site pain (P < 0.0001), fewer infections (P = 0.001), and a lower rate of adverse events (P < 0.0001). The ICBG group demonstrated a greater rate of bone union (P < 0.0001). There was no difference between groups in VAS (P = 0.09) and mean time to union (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

The current evidence supports the use of the RIA, given its low morbidity and short learning curve.

Autologous Bone Grafting in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

Autologous bone grafting is common in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Both the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) and Iliac Crest Bone Graft (ICBG) aim to obtain autologous bone graft. Although the process of harvesting a bone graft is considered simple, complications may occur. This study examined morbidity and pain at the donor site, blood loss, and iatrogenic fractures, comparing RIA and ICBG. The source of the autologous bone graft, the alternative graft sites, and the storage modalities of the harvested bone marrow were also evaluated. In May 2021, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were accessed, with no time constraints. RIA may produce greater blood loss, but with less morbidity and complications, making it a potential alternative source of bone grafting.

Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) Compared to Microfractures for Chondral Defects of the Talar Shoulder: A Five-Year Follow-Up Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Many procedures are available to manage cartilage defects of the talus, including microfracturing (MFx) and Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC). Whether AMIC or MFx are equivalent for borderline sized defects of the talar shoulder is unclear. Thus, the present study compared the efficacy of primary isolated AMIC versus MFx for borderline sized focal unipolar chondral defects of the talar shoulder at midterm follow-up. Methods: Patients undergoing primary isolated AMIC or MFx for focal unipolar borderline sized chondral defects of the talar shoulder were recruited prospectively. For those patients who underwent AMIC, a type I/III collagen resorbable membrane was used. The outcomes of interest were: Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS). The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) was assessed by a blinded radiologist, who had not been involved in the clinical management of the patients. Data concerning complication rate and additional procedures were also collected. Results: The mean follow-up was 43.5 months. The mean age of the 70 patients at operation was 32.0 years, with a mean defect size of 2.7 cm². The mean length of hospitalization was shorter in the MFx cohort (p = 0.01). No difference was found between the two cohorts in terms of length of prior surgery symptoms and follow-up, mean age and BMI, sex and side, and defect size. At a mean follow-up of 43.5 months, the AOFAS (p = 0.03), VAS (p = 0.003), and Tegner (p = 0.01) scores were greater in the AMIC group. No difference was found in the MOCART score (p = 0.08). The AMIC group evidenced lower rates of reoperation (p = 0.008) and failure (p = 0.003). Conclusion: At midterm follow-up, AMIC provides better results compared to MFx.