It lets bones glide smoothly during joint motion, and distributes the force evenly during running, jumping, and other repetitive movements. Hyaline cartilage consists of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. The matrix contains a variety of macromolecules, including type II collagen and proteoglycan. The structure of the matrix allows the cartilage to absorb shock and withstand shearing and compression forces. After a surgical procedure is completed, fibrocartilage rather than hyaline cartilage is most commonly produced.
Fibrocartilage has limited ability to withstand shock and shearing forces.
Currently, the procedure is limited to patients aged 55 or younger. It is also not recommended for use in patients with a known history of an allergy to materials of bovine origin or with an allergy to gentamycin. Any potential intra-operative and postoperative complications associated with a knee arthrotomy may occur with autologous chondrocyte implantation as well. While there appear to be no particular adverse events directly related to implantation of autologous chondrocytes, risks from the surgical procedure, including infection and inflammatory response, should be taken into consideration. Possible adverse events associated with this therapy may include wound infection, arthralgia, arthrosis, arthropathy, implant complication and fever.