Abstract
We report the clinical, arthroscopic, and biomechanical outcome of transplanting tissue-engineered cartilage for the treatment of full-thickness defects of cartilage in 36 knees, over at least 2 years. We also assessed the transplants by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . Transplantation reduced pain and swelling of the knee joint in all patients. Arthroscopic assessment indicated that 32 knees had good or excellent outcomes. Biomechanical tests indicated the transplants acquired the same firmness as the intact cartilage. MRI showed an even surface, and the same intensity as the intact cartilage, in 30 knees. These findings suggest that the transplantation of tissue-engineered cartilage may promote restoration of the cartilage of the knee.
