Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) or Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation (ACT) for the treatment of articular cartilage injuries

First generation ACI – a two-step procedure involving harvesting, culturing and re-implantation of autologous chondrocytes held in place using a periosteal patch (from shin bone).

Second generation ACI – a two-step procedure involving harvesting, culturing and re-implantation of autologous chondrocytes held in place using a collagen membrane rather than a periosteal flap to cover the cartilage defect before cell injection.

Third generation ACI or MACI– a two-step procedure involving harvesting autologous chondrocytes and culturing these within a collagen matrix or scaffold, which is then implanted.

AMIC – a one-step procedure that involves microfracture to obtain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, which are held in place over the defect by a cell-free scaffold. Some scaffolds incorporate biological factors.

IMPACT – a one-step procedure which involves mixing surgically removed autologous chondrocytes with donor mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the cell mixture is then applied to the damaged area during the same operation.

ACIC – This technique combines microfractures with the use of an injectable atelocollagen matrix that allows performing the whole cartilage repair treatment arthroscopically.

MACH – a one step procedure that involves injecting autologous MSCs into the injury site, covered by a PRP enriched collagen membrane.

Cartilage allografts are also sold by several different companies. 

A list of products and devices for ACI/ACT on the market can be found here.