Autologous chondrocyte implantation for treatment of focal articular cartilage defects of the humeral head

BACKGROUND

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) constitutes an established treatment option for cartilage defects of the knee joint. Experience in the shoulder, however, is limited, and the management of cartilage defects remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results after ACI with 3-dimensional spheroids of human autologous matrix-associated chondrocytes in the shoulder.

METHODS

Seven male patients (median age, 42.8 years [range, 18-55 years]) underwent ACI for symptomatic focal grade IV cartilage lesions of the humeral head by an open or arthroscopic approach. Clinical parameters (range of motion, visual analog scale score, Subjective Shoulder Value, Constant score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score) and osteoarthritis grades were assessed. Arthroscopic re-evaluation was additionally performed in 5 patients.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 32 months (range, 22-58 months), the median Subjective Shoulder Value was 95% (range, 70%-100%) compared with 60% (range, 30%-60%) preoperatively, the visual analog scale score was 0 at rest and was a median of 0 (range, 0-2) during exercise, the median Constant score was 95 points (range, 80-100 points), and the median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 97 points (range, 90-100 points). The median preoperative size of the cartilage lesion was 3 cm² (range, 2.3-4.5 cm²). Arthroscopically, complete coverage of the cartilage defect was observed in 4 cases whereas a circumferential residual defect of 0.25 cm² was found in 1 patient. Grade I osteoarthritis (Samilson and Prieto classification) was observed in 2 cases. One patient had postoperative adhesive capsulitis and required revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

ACI using 3-dimensional spheroids of human autologous matrix-associated chondrocytes for treatment of grade IV articular cartilage lesions of the humeral head achieves satisfactory clinical results during a short- to mid-term follow-up period and leads to successful defect coverage with only minor radiologic degenerative changes. In this case series, ACI proved to constitute a viable treatment in the shoulder joint. However, in consideration of the 2-stage surgical design and the cost intensiveness of this procedure, the indication is restricted to young and active symptomatic patients in our practice.