Prior Bone Marrow Stimulation Surgery Influences Outcomes After Cell-Based Cartilage Restoration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Cell-based cartilage restoration with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic cartilage lesions. Many patients undergoing ACI have a history of prior surgery, including bone marrow stimulation (BMS). There is mounting evidence that a history of prior BMS may impede healing of the ACI graft.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the failure rates of primary ACI with ACI after prior BMS. We hypothesized that ACI after BMS would have a significantly higher failure rate (defined as reoperation, conversion to arthroplasty, and/or imaging-based failure) compared with primary ACI.

Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: A literature search was performed by use of PubMed and Embase databases for relevant articles published through October 2, 2020, to identify studies evaluating outcomes and failures rates of ACI after prior BMS in the knee.

Results: Included were 11 studies comprising 1479 ACI procedures. The mean age at surgery ranged from 18.3 to 39.1 years, and the mean follow-up ranged from 3 to 20.6 years. All studies reported failure rates. The overall failure rate was significantly higher in the patients who underwent ACI after BMS, at 26.4% compared with 14.8% in the ACI group ( < .001). Meta-analysis demonstrated an increased risk of failure in patients with a history of prior BMS (log odds ratio = -0.90 [95% confidence interval, -1.38 to -0.42]).

Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated that failure rates were significantly higher for patients treated with ACI after BMS relative to patients undergoing ACI without prior BMS. This finding has important implications when considering the use of BMS for defects that are amenable to cell-based restoration and when determining treatment options after failed BMS.

Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020180387).