Comparative evaluation of autologous chondrocyte implantation and mosaic plasty: a controlled randomized clinical study

Summary form only given. Mosaic plasty and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) may hold particular promise as strategies to repair focal chondral defects of the knee. Both procedures can give 60-90% success as has emerged from separate short/medium-term clinical studies. To assess their real respective efficacy, we have performed a 4-year controlled randomized clinical trial. Only lesions localized on the femoral condyles were considered. Previous treatment(s) of those lesions by alternative traditional means was retained as an exclusion factor. Out of 25 patients (16 to 40 year old), 13 were randomized for mosaic plasty and 12 for ACI. In conclusion, 8 patients have greater than 36 months follow-up, 9 have greater than 24 months follow-up and 6 have 12-18 months follow-up. Patient assessment instruments included arthroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, the Lyshohlm Knee Scoring Scale and the Standard IKDC Evaluation Form. The outcome of the study is now being statistically evaluated and results of the analysis will be presented.