IMPLANTATION OF CHONDROFILLER LIQUID® AS A SCAFFOLD MATERIAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE KNEE JOINT

Introduction: Trauma, sports, or the normal aging degenerative process may damage the articular cartilage. Surgical methods that are most often used to manage cartilage defects include autologous chondrocyte implantation, mosaicplasty, microfractures, perforations, and joint arthroplasty in cases of severe damage. Another approach is to use collagen gel for cartilage defect reconstruction. Its biocompatibility, high tensile strength, and minimal invasiveness make it an attractive solution. ChondroFiller gel is a two-component collagen implant that could be used in the treatment of traumatic or degenerative chondral lesions. After application, it forms a protective cover for the damaged chondral area and provides structural support for the stem cells that migrate to its collagen matrix. Thus, with ChondroFiller, we aim to restore articular cartilage, prevent further degenerative processes, and return to normal joint function. In this research, we have investigated the application of ChondroFiller during knee arthroscopy to treat knee articular cartilage lesions. Methods: The clinical study was conducted at the University Hospital - Pleven Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology between 2012 and 2023. Seventeen patients (ten males and seven females) with a mean age of 31 years underwent knee chondroplasty with ChondroFiller gel, and their data was analyzed. Knee function was assessed using the Lysholm scale and IKDC score. The follow-up period was twelve months. Results: Statistical analysis has shown a significant difference between pre-operative Lysholm and pre-operative IKDC score and 3rd month, 6th and 12 months. Significant difference is detected between the 3rd month and 6th and 12th months Lysholm and IKDC scores (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found between 6 and 12 month (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Restoring joint congruity is challenging. Overall, we have found encouraging results by employing ChondroFiller to restore articular cartilage. We believe that Chondrofiller provides an excellent surgical solution to younger patients with chondral defects less than 2cm2. In our opinion, further research in the field of collagen implants is needed to discover long-term effect.