Use of Adult Stem Cells for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Current Status and Future Developments

Figure 2

Schematic representation of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) procedures. First, chondrocytes are extracted arthroscopically from the patient’s healthy articular cartilage (nonload-bearing area of either the intercondylar notch or the superior ridge of the femoral condyles). Then, chondrocytes are expanded in vitro for approximately four to six weeks. Finally, once a sufficient number of cells have been obtained, the patient undergoes a second surgery where the cultured and amplified chondrocytes are applied to the damaged area. These transplanted cells grow in their new environment, forming new articular cartilage.