The effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation for treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions in workers' compensation patients.

This prospective longitudinal analysis evaluated the effectiveness of autologous chondrocyte implantation in 24 workers' compensation patients with articular cartilage injuries >2 cm2. Mean lesion size was 4.7 cm2, (range: 2-10 cm2). Nineteen lesions were on the distal femur and 5 were on the patella. Clinical assessment scores improved from a mean of 3.2 at baseline to 6.8 one year postoperatively, with 78% rated good or excellent. Among patients with > or = 1-year follow-up, 63% returned to unrestricted work status at a mean of 7 months; an additional 22% returned to modified work.