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Arthroscopic three-dimensional autologous chondrocyte transplantation using spheroids for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the hip joint

  • Hip
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

Treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects in the hip is a major issue for orthopaedic surgeons. Autologous matrix-induced three-dimensional chondrocyte transplantation using three-dimensional spheroids (ACT 3D) may be an option for treatment. The aim of the study is to describe the feasibility and first clinical results of ACT 3D with spheroids at the hip.

Methods

In this report, the surgical technique was described for the first time, and the outcome of sixteen patients with chondral defects induced by cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) who were followed up in a prospective study was evaluated. All patients underwent physical examination before the first surgery and again before the second (about 6 weeks later). Further examinations were performed 6 weeks after the second surgery and at an average follow-up period of 16.09 months. At every visit, the non-arthritic hip score (NAHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were obtained. In addition, patient satisfaction was evaluated during the last follow-up examination by means of a questionnaire.

Results

The NAHS and WOMAC scores had significantly improved 6 weeks after arthroscopic treatment of the cam-type FAI, and a further significant enhancement was seen 6 weeks after the second surgery with application of the chondrocyte spheroids. In the last follow-up, the mean results were equally as good as the second follow-up examination 12 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions

The present study shows that ACT 3D using spheroids is a feasible method that can be easily performed during arthroscopy. As the first results have been encouraging, the ACT 3D with spheroids at the hip should be continued. More studies should be initiated to get an impression of the quality grade of this method in comparison with other treatment options in case of chondral defects at the hip.

Level of evidence

III.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facharztklinik Essen, Giradetstr. 2-38, 45131, Essen, Germany

    Konrad Körsmeier & Michael Kamminga

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany

    Tim Claßen, Marcus Jäger & Stefan Landgraeber

  3. Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Jan Rekowski

Authors
  1. Konrad Körsmeier
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  2. Tim Claßen
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  3. Michael Kamminga
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  4. Jan Rekowski
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  5. Marcus Jäger
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  6. Stefan Landgraeber
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Correspondence to Stefan Landgraeber.

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Körsmeier, K., Claßen, T., Kamminga, M. et al. Arthroscopic three-dimensional autologous chondrocyte transplantation using spheroids for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the hip joint. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 24, 2032–2037 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3293-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3293-x

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