High impact sport after autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation is a well-established treatment for full cartilage defects. When to resume to high impact sports after matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with cartilage defects of the knee were treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (Novocart®3D). All patients were assessed preoperatively and after a period of 24 months with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity score. The return to high impact sports (soccer, basketball, running, etc.) after matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation was documented. Patients were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Examination Form and visual analogue scale for pain after 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: The average return to physical activities or sports after matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation procedure was 10.2 months. Patients with a later return of high impact sports after 12 months showed significantly better clinical results after two years. Fifty-five percent showed an unchanged level of physical activity in the UCLA Activity score in the postoperative course. About 35% showed a lower level and 10% a higher level of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Resuming to high impact sport in the first 12 months after ACI procedure leads to inferior outcomes up to 24 months after matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation.