Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a relatively new, state-of-the-art procedure used to treat isolated full-thickness (down to bone) articular cartilage defects of the knee. It has been approved by … Read More
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Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Preparation for an autologous chondrocyte implantation
Before carrying out autologous chondrocyte implantation, a thorough clinical assessment of the joint must be carried out. After which the patient will undergo plain X-rays and an MRI scan of the knee to help make an accurate assessment of the location and the size of the cartilage defect. A range of motion brace will also be organized prior to the procedure to restrict the joint movement and protect the cartilage graft. Food and drinks will also be avoided from midnight before your surgery until the surgery has been completed.Autologous chondrocyte implantation procedure.
The autologous chondrocyte implantation procedure is in two stages; First Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Procedure The initial arthroscopy for the biopsy is carried out as a day surgery procedure.- Biopsy of Articular Cartilage: The first operation involves collecting a small biopsy of the articular cartilage, which is processed in a tissue engineering machine.
- Cell Culture: The biopsy is then processed, to release the chondrocytes (that is, articular cartilage cells) from the articular cartilage. The released cells are placed in a rich nutrient medium and incubated to cultivate cell growth. The culture process and incubation continue until an optimal and desired cell number is attained. The duration of this varies, depending on lesion size, but it normally ranges between 3 to 4 weeks.
Post-Operative Care
Post-op of autologous chondrocyte implantation, a knee brace will be necessary for a period of 3 months. Also, the patient’s weight-bearing on the knee is restricted for the first 6 weeks. Physiotherapy will also commence immediately, but the range of motion is determined by the exact size and location of the cartilage defect. Early physiotherapy sessions is concentrated on immobile quadriceps and hamstring exercises to maintain muscle bulk.Symptoms
Patients with damage to the cartilage in a joint (articular cartilage damage) will experience:
- Inflammation – the area swells, becomes warmer than other parts of the body, and is tender, sore, and painful.
- Stiffness.
- Range limitation – as the damage progresses, the affected limb will not move so freely and easily.
Articular cartilage damage most commonly occurs in the knee, but the elbow, wrist, ankle, shoulder, and hip joint can also be affected.
In severe cases, a piece of cartilage can break off, and the joint can become locked. This can lead to hemarthrosis (bleeding in the joint); the area may become blotchy and have a bruised appearance.
Causes
- Direct blow – if a joint receives a heavy impact, perhaps during a bad fall or an automobile accident, the cartilage may be damaged. Sportspeople have a higher risk of suffering from articular damage, especially those involved in high impact sports like American football, rugby, and wrestling.
- Wear and tear – a joint that experiences a long period of stress can become damaged. Obese individuals are more likely to damage their knee over a 20-year period than a person of normal weight, simply because the body is under a much higher degree of physical stress. Inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints is known as osteoarthritis.
- Lack of movement – the joints need to move regularly to remain healthy. Long periods of inactivity or immobility increase the risk of damage to the cartilage.
FAQ
How long will the treatment last?
Findings of studies show that autologous chondrocyte implantation lasts for at least 10 to 20 years, with very good recovery both on an objective and scientific level, and also as regards to how patients feel and manage their daily activities.
What are the advantages of autologous chondrocyte implantation?
The chief advantage of autologous chondrocyte implantation is that it is the first means of treatment to be developed that gets close to achieving cartilage regeneration; creating an almost identical tissue of the original, as opposed to simply repairing the tissue, which usually results in the fibrous cartilage.
What are the disadvantages of autologous chondrocyte implantation?
Autologous chondrocyte implantation is an expensive procedure to execute. The benefits of this procedure is yet to be fully understood.
Maturation of tissue takes as much as 9–12 months.
What are the complications of autologous chondrocyte implantation?
Some of the complications of autologous chondrocyte implantation include; Delamination, Poor integration with the subchondral bone, Adhesions, Periosteal cover hypertrophy (1st generation).
What is articulate cartilage?
Articular cartilage is the steady, even coverage on the ends of bones where they make contact with other bones to form an articulating joint such as seen in the knee.
