Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) is a two-step method for rebuilding damaged articular cartilage, protecting the bones' ends in joints. In the first stage, a little piece of healthy cartilage is removed and cultivated in a lab to produce additional chondrocytes. The cultured cells are inserted into the injured area in the second stage. ACI is typically used to treat isolated, full-thickness cartilage abnormalities, particularly in young, active people. The transplanted cells aim to create natural hyaline cartilage and restore joint function.