# Eighteen-Year Follow-up After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation on Medial and Lateral Femoral Condyles: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 37-year-old man showed long-term recovery after a surgery to repair knee cartilage defects using his own cartilage cells.

## Contribution

This case report provides an 18-year follow-up showing successful long-term outcomes of autologous chondrocyte implantation for knee cartilage repair.

## Key findings

- The patient showed clinical improvement over 18 years following autologous chondrocyte implantation.
- Arthroscopic images confirmed robust cartilage regeneration on the medial femoral condyle.
- The case supports autologous chondrocyte implantation as a long-term solution for large knee cartilage defects.

## Abstract

Articular cartilage defects are common injuries of the knee. The defects often progress in size and produce significant clinical symptoms due to the lack of intrinsic repair or regenerative capacity of articular cartilage. With the failure of nonoperative treatment options, surgical treatment is indicated and includes palliative, reparative, and regenerative options. For large defects of the femoral condyles, trochlea, or patella, autologous chondrocyte implantation can provide successful and long-lasting results.

Presented is the case of a 37-year-old male with an 18-year follow-up to autologous chondrocyte implantation for extensive left knee articular cartilage defects of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Recovery from articular cartilage defects is shown through both clinical improvement of the patient and arthroscopic photographs of robust autologous articular cartilage on the medial femoral condyle. This case supports the long-term benefits of autologous chondrocyte implantation as a surgical intervention for large, full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee.