How to choose between autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI/MACI) and osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS)?

Doctor’s answer

The choice mainly depends on the size of the cartilage defect and the involvement of the subchondral bone. For smaller full-thickness defects (usually <2~2.5 cm²), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS) can provide hyaline cartilage repair in a single procedure. For larger pure cartilage defects (>2~4 cm²), matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is an important tissue engineering repair option, requiring a two-stage surgical approach.

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