Published online Jul 18, 2017. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v8.i7.588
Peer-review started: January 29, 2017
First decision: May 11, 2017
Revised: May 28, 2017
Accepted: June 12, 2017
Article in press: June 13, 2017
Published online: July 18, 2017
Processing time: 170 Days and 12.7 Hours
To systematically review the results of studies looking at autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) in humans.
A literature search was performed, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, to review any studies using such techniques in humans. Our initial search retrieved 297 articles listed on MEDLINE, Google Scholar, CINHal and EMBASE. From these studies, 15 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were selected and formed the basis of our systematic review.
The study designs, surgical techniques and outcome measures varied between the studies. Although all studies reported improvements in patient outcome measures, this was not necessarily correlated with magnetic resonance imaging findings. Although there were many additional procedures performed, when AMIC was performed in isolation, the results tended to peak at 24 mo before declining.
Although short-term studies suggest improved patient reported outcomes with a variety of scaffolds, surgical techniques and rehabilitation regimes, the literature remains equivocal on whether the defect size and location, and patient factors affect the outcome. Patient benefit appears to be maintained in the short-to-medium term but more high level studies with extensive and robust validated outcome measures should be conducted to evaluate the medium- and long-term effect of the AMIC procedure.
Core tip: Studies looking at autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) in humans suggest improved patient reported outcomes in the short-to-medium term but there is significant variation in the scaffolds, surgical techniques and rehabilitation regimes used. The literature remains equivocal on whether the defect size and location, and patient factors affect the outcome. More high level studies with extensive and robust validated outcome measures should be conducted to evaluate the medium- and long-term effect of the AMIC procedure.