A randomized trial comparing accelerated and traditional approaches to postoperative weightbearing rehabilitation after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation: findings at 5 years

Ebert JR, et al. · The American Journal of Sports Medicine

At 5 years the accelerated group had LESS knee pain (VAS) and no worse graft outcomes; ~94-95% patient satisfaction in both. Getting people back on their feet ~3 weeks earlier was safe and slightly better.

Population

63 patients after MACI to femoral condyle defects (31 accelerated, 32 traditional at 5 years)

Intervention

Accelerated weightbearing: full weightbearing by 8 weeks

Comparator

Traditional protocol: full weightbearing by 11 weeks

Limitations

Single center, modest n, femoral condyle lesions only; both arms still used protected progressive loading.