Matrix-Assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation in the Knee: A Systematic Review of Mid- to Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

Schuette HB, Kraeutler MJ, McCarty EC · Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

At 5+ years outcomes remained improved; overall treatment failure 9.7%, and the difference between compartments was significant — 12.4% tibiofemoral against 4.7% patellofemoral (P = .037).

Population

578 patients (442 tibiofemoral, 136 patellofemoral defects) across 10 studies with minimum 5-year follow-up

Intervention

Matrix-assisted ACI (MACI and equivalents)

Comparator

None (pooled single-arm outcomes)

Limitations

The paper declares itself 'Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4', and six of its ten included studies are level 4 with only two level 1. Pooled single-arm outcomes, heterogeneous scaffolds and outcome measures.