Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a clinical effective procedure for the regeneration of articular cartilage defects. BioSeed(R)-C is a second generation ACI tissue engineering cartilage graft that is based on autologous chondrocytes embedded in a three-dimensional bioresorbable two component gel-polymer-scaffold. This study evaluated the short-to-mid-term efficacy of BioSeed(R)-C for the arthrotomic and arthroscopic treatment of posttraumatic and degenerative cartilage defects in a group of patients suffering from chronic posttraumatic and/or degenerative cartilage lesions of the knee. Clinical outcome was assessed in 40 patients with a two-year clinical follow-up before and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after implantation. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) of the evaluated scores were observed after one and/or two years after implantation of BioSeed(R)-C and histological staining of the biopsies showed good integration of the graft and formation of a cartilaginous repair tissue. The results suggest that implanting BioSeed(R)-C is an effective treatment option for the regeneration of posttraumatic and/or osteoarthritic defects of the knee.
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R41