[Implantation of autologous chondrocytes for cartilagenous lesions in young patients. A study of 24 cases].

Study Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of symptomatic knee cartilage defects on young active patients by autologous chondrocyte implantation and to report preliminary results in 24 patients.

Patients And Methods: Since April 1996, 24 selected patients underwent 25 implantations in five military hospitals. There were 19 men and five women (all of them practicing sports); mean age was 27.