Particulated Autologous Chondral−Platelet-Rich Plasma Matrix Implantation (PACI) for Treatment of Full-Thickness Cartilage Osteochondral Defects

Abstract

Articular hyaline cartilage injuries can occur as a result of either traumatic of progressive degeneration. When the articular cartilage in a joint is damaged, it can cause joint pain and dysfunction, predisposing patients for the development of early-onset osteoarthritis. There are many restoration procedures available to treat these injuries, such as bone marrow−stimulation techniques, osteoarticular auto/allograft transplants, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Each of these techniques has its own limitations, which led researchers to explore new regenerative and repair techniques to produce normal hyaline cartilage. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe in detail the particulated autologous chondral−platelet-rich plasma matrix implantation (PACI) technique that could be used as a single-stage cartilage restoration procedure for treatment of full-thickness cartilage and osteochondral defects.