Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis Plus Peripheral Blood Concentrate (AMIC+PBC) in Chondral Lesions of the Ankle As Part of a Complex Surgical Approach - 7-year Follow-up

Background: The aim of the study was to assess 7-year-follow-up (7FU) after Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis plus Peripheral Blood Concentrate (AMIC+PBC) in chondral lesions at the ankle as part of a complex surgical approach.

Methods: In a prospective consecutive non-controlled clinical follow-up study, all patients with chondral lesion at the ankle treated with AMIC+PBC from July 17, 2016 to May 31, 2017 were included. Size and location of the chondral lesions, the Visual-Analogue-Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) and the EFAS Score before treatment and at 5FU were analysed and compared with previous 2-year-follow-up (2FU). Peripheral Blood Concentrate (PBC) was used to impregnate a collagen I/III matrix (Chondro-Gide, Wolhusen, Switzerland) that was fixed into the chondral lesion with fibrin glue.

Results: One hundred and twenty-nine patients with 136 chondral lesions were included in in the study. The chondral lesions were located as follows (n (%)), medial talar shoulder only, 62 (46); lateral talar shoulder only, 42 (31); medial and lateral talar shoulder, 7 (10); tibia, 18 (13). The average for lesion size was 1.8 cm, for VAS FA 45.7 and for EFAS Score 9.8. 2FU/5FU/7FU was completed in 105 (81 %)/104(81 %)/103(80 %) patients with 112/111/109 previous chondral lesions. VAS FA improved to 79.8/84.2/82.9 and EFAS Score to 20.3/21.5/20.8 (2FU/5FU). No parameter significantly differed 2FU/5FU/7FU.

Conclusions: AMIC+PBC combined with adjunctive procedures resulted in improved and high validated outcome scores, after 7 years, without deterioration in comparison to results after 2 and 5 years. No method related complications were recorded.