FP11.6 Injectable Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Acetabular Cartilage Defects in Femoroacetabular Impingement: Results from the German Cartilage Registry (DGOU)
Abstract
Abstract ICLB11 - The Biologic Arsenal: Essential Cartilage Repair and Orthobiologics in Early Osteoarthritis, Session Room 12 (BMCC Level 3), October 9, 2026, 10:30 - 12:30 Purpose To evaluate mid-term outcomes of injectable matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for acetabular cartilage defects in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), comparing two different ACT products (NOVOCART® Inject vs. Chondrosphere®) using data from the German Cartilage Registry. Methods This retrospective analysis included 91 FAI patients (mean age 31.5 years) with isolated ICRS grade 3 or 4 acetabular cartilage defects treated arthroscopically with either NOVOCART® Inject (n=48) or Chondrosphere® (n=43). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months. Clinically important outcome values (MCID, PASS, SCB) were calculated at 36 months. Subgroup analysis compared defect severity (ICRS grade 3 vs. 4) and product-specific outcomes. Results Significant improvement in hip function (iHOT33) was observed across all follow-up time points (p<0.01). Both treatment groups improved similarly with no significant differences in iHOT33 scores. Chondrosphere® showed statistically significant pain reduction (VAS) over time (p<0.01), while NOVOCART® Inject did not reach significance despite similar trends. Patients with ICRS grade 3 defects had superior outcomes at 12 months in both pain and function compared to those with grade 4 lesions. Conclusion Arthroscopic MACT yields sustained improvements in pain and function over 5 years in FAI patients with acetabular cartilage defects. Both hydrogel-based and spheroid-based MACT products demonstrate comparable functional outcomes. However, pain relief appears more pronounced with Chondrosphere®. Earlier intervention in less advanced cartilage damage (ICRS grade 3) is associated with better results, emphasizing the need for timely surgical management to prevent defect progression.