SUMMARY
Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cartilage repair using matrix-induced adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for focal chondral knee lesions.Materials and Methods. Twenty consecutive patients treated for symptomatic full-thickness chondral defects were prospectively followed for two years. All patients underwent a single-stage procedure consisting in filling each defect with autologous culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells embedded in a trimmed-to-fit commercially available biodegradable matrix. Knee-related function was evaluated based on subjective scores given by two self-reported questionnaires (KOOS and IKDC). Results. The data analysis recorded significant improvements (p<0.001) in all the values. The mean preoperative scores in the subscales of KOOS, as well as in the IKDC subjective score were constantly increased during the follow-up period with statistical significant differences at 6, 12 and 24 months review.Conclusions. Matrix-induced adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells implantation is an efficient and safe single-staged cell-based procedure to manage full-thickness focal chondral lesions of the knee.