A Randomized Multicenter Trial Comparing Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation with Microfracture: Long-Term Follow-up at 14 to 15 Years

Conclusions: The survivors in both groups improved their clinical scores in the short, medium, and long-term evaluations, and no significant difference between the groups was found at the long-term follow-up. The risk of treatment failure and the frequency of radiographic osteoarthritis are problematic. Our findings raise serious concerns regarding the efficacy of these procedures in delaying osteoarthritis and preventing further surgery. Continued basic and clinical research is needed in this field. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Source: JBJS - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Sports Medicine Scientific Articles Source Type: research