Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation – ACT

Transplantation of cartilage cells with arthroscopy in the OZMO

In the case of limited cartilage defects of the ankle joint or the knees, modern medicine is showing ever more progress. One of these is the new method of arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation, also called autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT). Minimally invasive or invasive treatment allows serious improvement of cartilage situation by transplantation of cartilage cells, which further develop into high-quality and resilient cartilage. Younger patients in particular appreciate the fact that they do not have to consider the load limits of an endoprosthesis or the sword of Damocles of renewed operations hanging over them.

Learn more about Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation and which cartilage damage can be fundamentally treated with this innovative treatment on our website. Our specialists, first and foremost our expert for regenerative cartilage therapy Prof. Dr. med. habil. Peter Diehl, are available for a personal consultation at your appointment at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO).

Do you need a personal consultation?

The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Table of Contents:

What is arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation?

Procedure of Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation (ACT)

When is ACT used as a treatment?

Advantages and disadvantages of treatment with cartilage cell transplantation

Treatment with Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation at OZMO
Making an appointment for your treatment at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost

What is arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation?

In this new innovative regenerative cartilage therapy, a small piece of the patient’s own cartilage is removed during a joint endoscopy. The resulting cartilage cells are then grown in test tubes in highly specialized cell culture laboratories. After four to six weeks, the cartilage cells, which have been propagated in components of the patient’s own blood, are then combined into three-dimensional spheres (spheroids) and inserted arthroscopically – i.e. without the need for major “open” surgery – into the injured joint.

After only eight to twelve weeks, the defect has grown completely to the surface and healed, resulting in a resilient, fully restored joint surface.

Procedure of Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation (ACT)

Before the procedure – even if you are referred to us by experienced colleagues – there is a detailed examination to assess the extent of the cartilage damage present and the suitability of ACT for your joint situation. The examination includes

a detailed medical history with review of already existing health data
an X-ray image
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if necessary

The examinations take place directly in our well-equipped specialist center for orthopedics for place, in order to be able to carry out a consultation and an individual treatment planning directly afterwards. This includes the planning of the surgery date, the preparations for the surgery, and the course of the aftercare.

For the arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation, the damage is then assessed once again as the first step during an inpatient stay during an arthroscopy. Only then will it be determined whether the method is suitable for you as a patient. If this is the case, two cartilage-bone cylinders are harvested from the joint and a joint drain is inserted. The patient’s own cartilage cells are then grown for transplantation in a second procedure scheduled about three weeks later during open surgery. In this procedure, the graft surface is cleaned down to the bone and the patient’s own cartilage cell mass is placed to grow.

Images 1 to 3: In an initial knee arthroscopy, cartilage cells are harvested and grown at co.don AG.

Figs. 4 and 5: Approximately 6 weeks later, these are filled into the cartilage defect in a second endoscopy.

Figure 6 and 7: Former cartilage damage filled with cartilage cell conglomerates. The cells proliferate and grow in about 3 months. This is how the defect is cured.

Article: Minimally invasive cartilage replacement (PDF),
Article: Cartilage Cell Transplantation (PDF).

When is arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation used?

Arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation can be used for cartilage damage to the knee or ankle if the damage is caused by accidents or injuries. ACT can also be used for wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis in these joints, for example for patients before the age of 50. If the damage is extensive and goes beyond an area of about six square centimeters, treatment is very rarely possible.

The attending orthopedic specialist will discuss the option of arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation with you on a case-by-case and individual basis to provide you with the best treatment for you. If the treatment with ACT is successful, the result is usually considered to be extremely efficient, as the joint is able to bear weight again after healing.

Advantages and disadvantages of treatment with cartilage cell transplantation

The advantages of arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation include both the use of the patient’s own cells, which guarantee a high tolerance of the treatment, and the development of new cartilage cells, which can replace the high-quality hyaline cartilage in the joint instead of relying on fibrocartilage formation as before. Therefore, the new treatment is considered superior to previous methods. In addition, for the first time, it is also possible to regenerate major cartilage damage in order to regain the best possible function of the joint.

However, cartilage cell transplantation of this type also has its limitations. Thus, the procedure can only be used successfully if the cartilage defects are limited. The disadvantage is that two hospital stays are required at the same time. The procedure is also not yet suitable for all joints and can only be used to a limited extent in cases of osteoarthritis.

Treatment with Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation at OZMO

Since Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation is a new procedure, this method is not yet offered in all orthopedic medical centers. We are therefore all the more pleased not only to be able to offer you the option of this modern treatment, but also to have Prof. Dr. med. habil. Peter Diehl, we also have a specialist in regenerative cartilage therapy on our team. Together with his accomplished colleagues, we can offer you outstanding treatments for many diseases and injuries according to the latest scientific findings.

Accordingly, our care ranges from comprehensive diagnostics to the hopefully highly successful conclusion of your treatment, which we can present to you with a great deal of experience and specialized expertise in our modern practice rooms at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO). Contact us to learn more about the innovative treatment of Arthroscopic Cartilage Cell Transplantation (ACT) and modern therapies for the benefit of your health.

When is arthroscopic cartilage cell transplantation used?

Make your appointment today if you need treatment for cartilage damage and joint pain at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO). Our practice team looks forward to hearing from you and will promptly provide you with an appointment for consultation and the necessary examinations. Call or write us a message so that we can reserve enough time for you for consultation and treatment at OZMO.

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