Autologous chondrocyte implantation: current surgery and rehabilitation.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a treatment option for full-thickness chondral, or osteochondral injuries that are painful, debilitating, and progressive. Goals of surgery and rehabilitation include replacement of damaged cartilage with hyaline or hyaline-like structure, maintained durability to withstand knee intraarticular forces over time with a productive level of function, and restoration of the normal surface congruity of the joint. Intermediate and long-term results are promising in terms of clinical improvement and durability using ACI.