Abstract
MACI Cartilage Transplantation has been performed in New Zealand for the last three years for patients with isolated articular cartilage defects who have failed a microfracture technique. Ten patients have undergone this procedure. Patients were evaluated by an independent research assistant preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 months. Visual analogue pain score, ICRS score, WOMAC score, KOOS score, IKDC score, Tegner score and SF 36 were collected at all time points. An MRI scan was performed in all patients at 12 months.
So far, ten patients have a minimum of 12 month data, while two have been followed to 12 months. There has been an improvement in visual analogue pain score, ICRS score, WOMAC score, KOOS score, IKDC score and SF 36. No procedures have failed. All MRI scans showed restoration of articular cartilage.
In conclusion, early results are encouraging. The rehabilitation is long, thus 12 month data do not give an accurate outcome measure. Ongoing evaluation is occurring
Correspondence should be addressed to Associate Professor N. Susan Stott at Orthopaedic Department, Starship Children’s Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand
