Matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation versus autologous chondrocyte implantation for chondral knee defects A protocol for a systematic review and updated meta-analysis
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background:
Derangements of various metabolic processes leads to a high prevalence of insidious chondral defects which may predispose patients to osteoarthritis. This may lead to deterioration of the quality of life in physical, psychological and social domains. Though, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) yields superior results in chondral defects as compared to microfractures, there has been no meta-analysis till date to quantify the clinical efficacy of various chondrocyte implantation techniques as compared to each other. Our review will synthesize current evidence to establish the superior technique for chondral knee defects in terms of clinical outcomes and post-operative quality of life.
Methods:
An exhaustive search will be undertaken on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Trip Medical Database and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases to identify relevant studies. Primary human studies comparing matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation in the context of knee chondral defects would be included. The primary outcome will be postoperative improvement in knee functions assessed clinically or via activity scores like International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm-Gillquist score and Tegner Activity Score. The secondary outcomes will be radiological scores for monitoring structural improvement like Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score and health-related quality of life scores.
Discussion:
This will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis in available literature comparing the clinical outcomes and post-operative quality of life in these patients and can be expected to guide clinical practice in chondral defects of the knee.
Article Details

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