Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) is Largely Effective and Provides Significant Improvement in Patients With Symptomatic, Large Chondral Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis for long-term patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) patients using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search under the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases was conducted. Statistical significance was determined between the mean pre- and postoperative scores at each time point (1-, 2-, and 5-years). Cohen's d analysis was used to measure the effect size (ES) in each group when compared to preoperative measurements to determine clinical responsiveness. RESULTS: KOOS subscales at all long-term postoperative follow ups measured in this study showed significant (p-value < 0.001) improvement when compared to preoperative scores. Furthermore, apart from KOOS sports and recreation (KOOS-SR) at 1-year postoperative follow up that showed a medium ES (ES, 0.761), all other KOOS subscales at long-term follow up periods showed a large (>0.8) ES on mean preoperative KOOS. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature demonstrate an absence of large meta-analyses for long-term PRO measures with the MACI procedure. It was found that all subscales were largely responsive when evaluated at >2 years after surgery. Based on these results, MACI is an effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects about the knee.