The effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation for treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions in workers' compensation patients

This prospective longitudinal analysis evaluated the effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation in 24 workers' compensations patients with articular cartilage injuries >2 cm(2). Mean lesion size was 4.7 cm(2), (range: 2-10 cm(2)). Nineteen lesions were on the distal femur and 5 were on the patella. Clinical assessment scores improved from a mean of 3.2 at baseline to 6.8 one year postoperatively, with 78% rated good or excellent. Among patients with greater than or equal to1-year follow-up 63% returned to unrestricted work status at mean 7. months; an additional 22% returned to modified work.