The first experience of autologous chondrocytes transplantation after lumbar microdiscectomy

Abstract

The purpose. To develop and provide into clinical practice the hi-tech method of autologous chondrocytes transplantation for treatment of patients with intervertebral discs herniation after lumbar microdiscectomy.Material and methods. The chondrocytes were isolated from tissues of intervertebral disc hernia, cultivated and preserved, and administrated as percutaneous puncture in the operated intervertebral disc (3 months after microdiscectomy).We plan to study the influence of transplanted autologous chondrocytes on renewing of intervertebral disc height and function (according to clinical methods, X-ray and MRI).Results. In 6 patients autologous chondrocytes transplantation was performed. There were no complications or by-effects.Conclusions. Autotransplantation of chondrocytes in patients after lumbar microdiscectomy is safe and perspective method of surgical treatment at degenerative spine diseases and requires further study.