Further observations on the use of autological chondrocytes in the treatment of damages of knee joint cartilage

Introduction. The aim of our researches was the evaluation of the results of treating the defects of hyaline cartilage of the knee joint by means of culture of autological chondrocytes entrenched in the tissue glue. Material and methods. The examinations were conducted in 51 patients, among whom there were 17 women and 34 men aged 18 to 49. Patients with 1-2 defects III or IV degree (Outherbridge classification) or type IIIa and IIIb (Noyes-Stabler classification) were surgically treated. Results and conclusions. In all patients, there was a reduction or analgia of pain. Transplantation of autological chondrocytes may be used not only in the case of isolated damage of articular surfach, but also in patients with accompanying defects of frontal cruciform ligament or articular crescent.