Second-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Results in Patients Older Than 40 Years

BackgroundAging is responsible for degenerative changes in all cartilage elements, thus impairing its properties and healing potential. Most studies on surgical procedures for cartilage focus on young patients because these procedures are generally not considered suitable for older patients.PurposeTo analyze the clinical outcome of cartilage lesion treatment using second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) techniques in patients more than 40 years old with no clear signs of osteoarthritis, to understand their real potential in relation to aging, the failure rate, and complications in older patients.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsSixty-one patients with grade III to IV cartilaginous lesions of the condyles with no clear signs of osteoarthritis and a minimum age of 40 years were treated with second-generation ACI and prospectively evaluated at 5 years’ follow-up. Twenty-two patients were treated with arthroscopic Hyalograft C implantation, and 39 underwent the open Cho...