Arthroscopic three dimensional autologous chondrocyte transplantation with navigation-guided cartilage defect size assessment

Introduction The treatment of large full thickness cartilage defects with matrix guided autologous chondrocyte transplantation shows promising results. However, in many cases an arthrotomy is needed to implant the cell seeded scaffolds. Recently techniques have been developed for arthroscopically guided ACT implantation. Correct defect mapping, to assess size and depth of the chondral lesions, and precise scaffold preparation and fixation are crucial for successful chondrocyte transplantation and remain to be not sufficiently optimized.