Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is still one of the new treatment procedures for arthritis. In this procedure, some cartilage tissue is removed from a healthy area of the joint. The chondrocytes inside it are multiplied in the laboratory, using special techniques, and a few weeks later they are implanted into the bone defect in a second procedure. There the cells ultimately mature into high-quality regenerated cartilage, which in most cases attains over 90% of the biomechanical firmness of healthy joint cartilage, as comprehensive investigations have shown.

Important! Autologous chondrocyte transplantation, with the culture of chondrocytes, is a highly complex procedure. This intervention should therefore only be undertaken in specialist centers and by doctors with appropriate experience.

Who might be considered for autologous chondrocyte transplantation?

• The procedure is especially appropriate for cartilage damage to the knee and ankle.
• The defect should be no greater than 10 cm2.
• Intact surrounding cartilage showing no arthritis is a prerequisite.
• The persons concerned should be no older than 50 years of age.
• Joint malformations (bandy legs / knock knees) rule the procedure out, because in these cases the uneven distribution of weight on the joints is more likely to destroy the cartilage.

Note: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is a further development of autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Here, the chondrocytes which have been cultured are applied to a thin three-dimensional collagen scaffold before replantation, which enables the cells to grow better into the defect and which later slowly disintegrates.