Clinical experience of implanting human autologous chondrocyte spheroids for the treatment of knee cartilage defects

Introduction. Articular cartilage has a very limited capacity for self-repair; therefore, its damage often leads to irreversible changes. Various technologies have been developed for cartilage restoration, including autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The method is based on culturing autologous cells that produce cartilage matrix, followed by their implantation into the articular cartilage defect. Objective. Presentation of clinical cases of the first use of human autologous chondrocytes in routine practice in Russia. Materials and Methods. Two clinical cases of articular cartilage defects in different anatomical locations were analyzed. The follow-up period after implantation was 4 months. During routine visits, patients underwent interviews, physical examination, range-of-motion assessment, and objective clinical evaluation. MRI of the target knee joints was performed before the first surgical intervention and 4 months after second surgery. Two surgical procedures were carried out according to the described technique, with intraoperative photographic documentation of the joint before and after autologous chondrosphere implantation. Results. During the follow-up of two clinical cases with articular cartilage defects treated with implantation of autologous chondrospheres, positive early outcomes were obtained. A reduction in pain, an increase in range of motion, and an improvement in joint function were observed. Follow-up MRI of the operated knee joints at 4 months confirmed the formation of a homogeneous regenerate and satisfactory integration of the chondrospheres with the surrounding cartilage. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patients reported an improvement in quality of life. Conclusion. The use of autologous chondrospheres is a promising and effective method for repairing cartilage defects of the knee joint. The technique provides lasting improvement in joint function and morphologically confirmed cartilage regeneration.