Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation Results in Better Structural Repair when Treating Symptomatic Cartilage Defects of the Knee in a Randomized Controlled Trial versus Microfracture

One year after treatment, characterized chondrocyte implantation was associated with a tissue regenerate that was superior to that after microfracture. Short-term clinical outcome was similar for both treatments. The superior structural outcome may result in improved long-term clinical benefit with characterized chondrocyte implantation. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.