Articular cartilage transplantation

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (aka Transplantation) is a procedure whereby an initial operation is performed to harvest some cartilage from a non-weight bearing area of the joint. This cartilage is then sent to a lab where it is grown in culture, to multiply the number of cells. Some weeks later (about 6 weeks) a second procedure is performed whereby the joint is opened up, the bare area of bone where the cartilage is missing is cleaned, a membrane of collagen (a natural material) is fastened over the defect and the cultured cells are injected under the membrane. This gives an appearance not too dissimilar to The London Dome!

Picture showing harvesting of cartilage cells from a 'non-weight-bearing' area of the knee (Stage 1 surgery).	Stage 2 surgery - the cells have been multiplied in the lab and are injected back into the knee under a covering (a membrane of collagen).

ACI was popularised by Lars Petersson in Finland, and it is now practised in various specialist centres in the UK. Legislation has recently been put in place so that only registered centres are now allowed to provide tissue donation for procedures such as cartilage transplantation. The London Bridge Hospital has full UK accreditation for this procedure.