Hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation leads to subjective improvement levels comparable to scaffold based autologous chondrocyte implantation

PURPOSE: Scaffold-based autologous chondrocyte implantation is a well-established treatment for cartilage defects in the knee joint. Hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation using an in situ polymerizable biomaterial is a relatively new treatment option for arthroscopic cartilage defects. It is therefore important to determine if there are significant differences in the outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes (using subjective parameters) of hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (NOVOCART(®) Inject) with the outcomes of scaffold based autologous chondrocyte Implantation (NOVOCART(®) 3D) using biphasic collagen scaffold. METHODS: The data of 50 patients, which were paired with 25 patients in each treatment group, was analyzed. The main parameters used for matching were gender, number of defects and localization. Both groups were compared based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and subjective IKDC scores, both of which were examined pre-operatively and after 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: Significant benefits in both VAS and IKDC scores after 2 years of follow-up in both groups were found. Comparing the groups, the results showed that in the hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation group, significant changes in IKDC scores are measurable after 6 months, while it takes 12 months until they are seen in the scaffold based autologous chondrocyte group. CONCLUSION: Hydrogel-based autologous chondrocyte and scaffold based autologous chondrocyte show comparable improvements and significant benefits to the patients’ subjective well-being after a 2-year-follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.