Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): A Patient's Perspective
healthy articular cartilage image courtesy of Genzyme and The Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine		damaged articular cartilage image courtesy of Washington Orthopaedic and Knee Clinic

Introduction

The primary intent of this web site is to share my experience as an ACI procedure patient. I built this site since the ACI technique is fairly new and there isn't much information available, particularly that which documents the patient's perspective. The site is divided into four main sections:

1. A chronology of my previous surgeries (the deficiencies leading to an ACI procedure are often coupled with a long history of knee problems).
   
   
2. A description of the ACI procedure itself.
   
   
3. Odds and ends that I've learned over my periods as a knee patient.
   
   
4. A list of web resources that I've found useful.
   
   

I'm assuming that readers have some knowledge of knee anatomy and what ACI is about. If not, there are many good educational sites on the web. You can find a list of these sites in the Reference Sites and Related Links section. Many ACI-related sites contain excellent graphics and I saw no need to duplicate them here, so you won't find many images on this site. I wish I had taken photos of my leg before and after the ACI but I unfortunately didn't.

History (Menisectomy, ACL Reconstructions, and Chondroplasty) - August, 1982 to August, 1999

My memory of the rehabilitation period that followed my earlier surgeries is not strong enough to draw from and describe here. As a result, this section is limited to:

• A description of my activity level preceding each procedure.
  
  
• The operative report filed by the surgeon.
  
  
• A discussion of my activity level following the surgery.
  
  

Current (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) - September, 1999 to Present

This section of the site is dedicated to the ACI procedure. Here, you'll find:

• A brief description of the ACI technique is provided.
  
  
• My reasons for electing to have the ACI procedure.
  
  
• The two procedures involved in ACI, the initial tissue biopsy and the actual implantation, discussed in the same fashion as in the history section (pre-surgery activity level, operative report, post-surgery activity level).
  
  
• A diary about my ongoing rehabilitation period including photos taken at 14 months following the ACI procedure.
  
  
• A discussion of health insurance issues.
  
  
• An answer to the question I'm most frequently asked - "Was it worth it?"

Lessons Learned

After five knee surgeries, I have hopefully learned a few things and have gained insight. Regardless, here are some observations, lessons learned, and other information that doesn't fit nicely into any other area of this site.

ACI Reference Sites and Related Links

I had a difficult time finding web-based ACI information relative to what's available in terms of ACL and other knee surgeries. After a bit of looking around, I found several good web resources for ACI patients. Here are the ones I've found most useful.

It has been over three years since my ACI. Unless my knee health changes significantly, I do not plan further updates to this site. However, please feel free to write me at the address below if you have any questions regarding ACI that you feel I may be able to answer. I may not be the most prompt in my replies, but I'll get to all questions as soon as I'm able. Thanks for your patience in advance.

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