MONDAY, July 6 (HealthDay News) -- Ankle repair techniques have improved as a result of the adaptation of knee repair techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, according to an article published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Matthew E. Mitchell, M.D., of Casper Orthopedic Associates in Wyoming, and colleagues conducted a literature search on articles related to cartilage transplantation techniques for talar cartilage.

The researchers found that favorable ankle repair techniques include debridement with curettage and debridement with drilling, but that these salvage techniques have proven controversial. They also found that favorable results have been obtained from efforts to salvage failed debridement, including osteochondral allografts and autografts from the knee, but that these have been associated with concerns about knee donor site morbidity, the use of malleolar osteotomy, and incomplete restoration of the talar articular surface. In addition, they discuss the promise of adapting knee techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation.

"In our experience, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation delivers more viable cells to the lesion than does autologous chondrocyte implantation, which should lead to better long-term results," the authors conclude.

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