Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation versus Debridement for Treatment of Full-Thickness Chondral Defects of the Knee

Abstract

Although patients treated with debridement for symptomatic, large, focal, chondral defects of the distal femur had some functional improvement at follow-up, patients who received autologous chondrocyte implantations obtained higher levels of knee function and had greater relief from pain and swelling at 3 years.