Osteochondral knee joint lesion treated with an aragonite-based scaffold. 12-year follow-up of the world's first implantation: Case report

Articular surface lesions, which include chondral and osteochondral defects, are debilitating and favor the development of osteoarthritis. The long-term follow-up of the world's first case of implantation of an aragonite-based scaffold (Agili-C™, from CartiHeal) in a chronic post-traumatic osteochondral knee joint lesion (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade IV, size 2 ​cm²) was presented. Over a decade after implantation, the treatment results remained stable, the patient was fully satisfied, and was able to resume his preinjury activities. Despite the partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus, the degenerative process was successfully contained, with only subtle osteophytes and mild narrowing of the medial compartment. In addition, radiologic monitoring of the restored bone and cartilage tissue showed successful and durable results. STUDY DESIGN: Case-report (level of evidence: V).