Arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte transplantation: technical note.

We describe an arthroscopic surgical technique for tissue engineered cartilage grafting. A three-dimensional hyaluronic acid support is used for autologous chondrocyte culturing. The technique reduces morbidity of classic autologous implant and avoids open surgery and the use of a periosteal flap. The procedure includes the advantages of arthroscopic osteochondral grafting without donor site morbidity. With this technique is possible to reduce the patient morbidity, time and cost of surgery.