A non-randomized controlled clinical trial on autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle with or without high tibial osteotomy in patients with varus deformity of less than 5°

Bode G, Schmal H, Pestka JM, et al. · Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

At about 6 years, survival was 89.5% with combined ACI+HTO vs 58.3% with ACI alone (P = .023) — offloading protected the repair even in minor malalignment.

Population

43 patients with medial femoral condyle defects and mild varus (<5°): 19 ACI+HTO, 24 ACI alone

Intervention

ACI combined with high tibial osteotomy

Comparator

ACI alone

Limitations

Non-randomized, small, single-center; treatment allocation by surgeon judgment invites confounding.