Clinical outcomes and survival rate of autologous chondrocyte implantation with and without concomitant meniscus allograft transplantation: 10- to 15-year follow-up study

Significant improvements in clinical outcome measures and patient satisfaction after combined all‐arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation: A single‐centre longitudinal study

“…In terms of the primary outcome measure, the findings in the present study align with the results reported by Yoon et al [22], who observed a 10.2‐point average pre‐ to postoperative improvement in IKDC scores, compared to an improvement of 16.3 ± 23.9 points in the present cohort, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference of 9.8 points [45]. Lysholm and Tegner scores were similarly aligned with previous research [18, 19, 22, 43]. However, Tegner scores only showed small improvements, illustrating that this combined approach should be considered a salvage procedure and return to sports cannot be considered a primary goal.…”

“…In alignment with previous research, a high arthroscopic reoperation rate of 40% was observed, suggesting a considerable risk of reoperation [19][20][21][22]43]. Notably, out of 15 total subsequent procedures across eight patients, nine reoperations (60%) were directly attributable to MAT, with only a single reoperation directly attributable to the ACI component of the procedure (not including cartilage harvesting), underlining MAT as the limiting factor.…”

“…Extensive evidence has demonstrated these procedures to be safe and effective when performed independently [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. However, conclusive evidence on combined MAT and ACI is still pending, and only few studies have addressed this topic [18][19][20][21][22].…”

“…Despite these findings, only a few studies have reported outcomes after combined articular cartilage restoration and MAT, demonstrating the potential for positive results and warranting further investigation [29]. However, despite growing evidence of the potential benefits, few studies have investigated combined MAT and ACI [18][19][20][21][22], with considerable heterogeneity in methodology and outcome reporting [29].…”

Costal chondrocyte‐derived pellet‐type scaffold‐free autologous chondrocyte implantation provided acceptable mid‐term outcomes in osteochondral defects with up to 10‐mm depth

“…Fifth, several confounding factors, such as the location of the OD lesion (medial or lateral femoral condyle) and concomitant injuries and treatments, were not controlled thoroughly. Especially, meniscal injury can significantly affect the outcomes after ACI [24]. A complex analysis considering these confounding factors is required.…”