autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a surgical procedure used to repair cartilage damage in joints, often the knee. It involves taking healthy cartilage cells (chondrocytes) from the patient’s own body, growing them in a lab to increase their number, and then reimplanting them into the damaged area. These new cells help generate new, healthy cartilage, restoring surface smoothness and joint function. ACI is typically used for cartilage injuries that don’t heal well on their own and aims to reduce pain and improve mobility over time.