Time-Dependent Change in Cartilage Repair Tissue Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Up to 2 Years After Atelocollagen-Assisted Autologous Cartilage Transplantation: Data from the CaTCh Study

Overview

Journal Cartilage

Date 2022 Jul 11

PMID 35815923

Authors

Masashi Shinohara

Ryuichiro Akagi

Atsuya Watanabe

Yuki Kato

Yusuke Sato

Tsuguo Morikawa

Junichi Iwasaki

Koichi Nakagawa

Yorikazu Akatsu

Seiji Ohtori

Takahisa Sasho

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the time course of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based morphological and qualitative outcomes after an atelocollagen-assisted autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and to analyze the correlation between arthroscopic and MRI-based assessment.

Design: We included ACI recipients from a multicenter registration study (CaTCh [Cartilage Treatment in Chiba] study). Morphological (3-dimensional magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue: 3D-MOCART, MOCART2.0) and qualitative assessment (T2- and T1rho-mapping) by MRI were conducted at 6, 12, and 24 months post-implantation. Global T2 and T1rho indices (T2 and T1rho in repair tissue divided by T2 and T1rho in normal cartilage) were calculated. Arthroscopic second-look assessment was performed in 4 and 15 knees at 12 and 24 months post-implantation, respectively.

Results: The 3D-MOCART over 12 months witnessed significant patient improvement, but some presented subchondral bone degeneration as early as 6 months. The MOCART2.0 improved from 57.5 to 71.3 between 6 and 24 months ( = 0.02). The global T2 index decreased from 1.7 to 1.2 between 6 and 24 months ( < 0.001). The global T1rho index decreased from 1.5 to 1.3 between 6 and 24 months ( = 0.004). Normal or nearly normal ICRS-CRA (cartilage repair assessment scale developed by the International Cartilage Repair Society) grades were achieved in 86% and 93% of the lesions at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Better ICRS-CRA grade corresponded to better MOCART2.0, with no trend in the T2 and T1rho values.

Conclusions: Atelocollagen-assisted ACI improved the MRI-based morphological and qualitative outcomes until 24 months post-surgery, and normal or nearly normal grades were achieved in most lesions by arthroscopic assessment. MRI assessment may be an alternative to arthroscopic assessment.

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