Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation (ADCT): Definition

A chondrocyte from the Greek chondros meaning cartilage and kytos meaning cell is a cell, which is embedded in cartilaginous tissue and produces proteoglycans, which are used to build and maintain the structure of the cartilage. Autologous means self-donated or originating from the recipient’s own tissue. In this biological therapy chondrocyte cells are taken from patient’s disc and are multiplied in the lab. The enlarged number of chondrocytes is reinserted via a hollow needle into the patient’s disc(s). Research results show that these cultured cells will produce proteoglycans, once they are reinserted into the disc. Animal research has shown that nucleus regeneration is possible and human studies have shown that the progress of degenerative disc disease has been greatly retarded or stopped with Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation.

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation (ADCT): Indications

• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Discectomy

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation (ADCT): Surgery

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation surgery techniques are conducted in three steps:

1. Harvesting of cells from the disc. Extraction can occur while performing a necessary open surgery (e.g. discectomy) cells or with a percutaneous disc decompression (APLD) via a 2.5 mm trocar with suction in local anesthesia (APLD).
2. The harvested cells are grown in the laboratory.
3. The cultured cells are reinserted into this very disc, and/or in a neighboring one in need of them.

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation: Surgery Risks

All surgery carries risks from anesthesia, blood clots and infections. If complications from these risks arise, they most often can be successfully treated. The physical condition of the patient (such as obesity and diabites) can also add risk to surgery.

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation: Surgery Long-Term Outlook

The appropritate surgical procedure properly executed will provide long term relief for the disc(s) treated. However, if the condition was allowed to continue too long and the nerves have become damaged, there may be some remaining pain or numbness or no improvement. Problems in other areas of the spine may appear at a later time.

Autologous Disc Chondrocyte Transplantation