Influence of Cell Differentiation and IL-1β Expression on Clinical Outcomes After Matrix-Associated Chondrocyte Transplantation

Background:Several patient- and defect-specific factors influencing clinical outcomes after matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) have been identified, including the patient’s age, location of the defect, or duration of symptoms before surgery. Little is known, however, about the influence of cell-specific characteristics on clinical results after transplantation.Purpose:The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of cell differentiation and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) expression on clinical outcomes up to 5 years after MACT.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Twenty-seven patients who underwent MACT of the tibiofemoral joint area of the knee were included in this study. Clinical assessments were performed preoperatively as well as 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after transplantation by using the following scores: the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, the Noyes sports ac...