Gel-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (GACI) in the Chondral Defects of the Knee: An Observational Study

Introduction Gel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (GACI) is known to have superior results when compared to conventional autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in terms of delivery of chondrocytes to the articular cartilage surface with reproducible three-dimensional structural restoration. This study aims to evaluate the short-term outcomes of gel-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (GACI) for the treatment of large focal articular cartilage defects of the knee. Methods This was a prospective observational study among 25 patients who underwent GACI. Primary outcome measures included Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and IKDC score and secondary outcome measures included MRI assessment of cartilage repair using MOCART. Results Mean age of the population was 39.8 +/- 7.5 years. The study found a highly significant improvement in both Lysholm knee score (pre-op: 45.1 to post-op: 72.4) and IKDC score (pre-op: 36.7 to post-op: 78.5) (p < 0.001) at the final followup of 24 months, even with the mean defect size being 4.5 +/- 5.8 cm(2). Postoperative MRI showed a mean MOCART score improvement from 39.4 to 67.4 at the final follow-up. No major complications were observed. Conclusion GACI is an effective and safe treatment option for large focal articular cartilage defects around the knee, with significant improvement in functional scores and low revision rates at medium-term follow-up.