High Variability in Return-to-Sport Assessment After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Knee: A Systematic Review.
Camila Vicioso, Mark Kurapatti, Luca M Valdivia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined how return to sport (RTS) was assessed in studies of patients undergoing autologous or matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation of the knee. Among 85 eligible studies, reporting methods and assessment timepoints varied substantially. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Sport/Rec was used in 71.8% of studies and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form in 49.4%; only 15.3% reported RTS as a postoperative percentage. The authors concluded that inconsistent measurement limits comparisons between studies and clinical interpretation.
Key findings
- The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Sport/Rec was reported in 71.8% of studies, and the International Knee Documentation Committee form in 49.4%.
- Only 15.3% of studies reported RTS as a postoperative percentage.
- Custom, nonvalidated tools were used in 22.4% of studies, and RTS assessment timepoints were inconsistent.
Why it matters
When studies define and measure return to sport differently, clinicians cannot readily compare outcomes across ACI/MACI research or interpret reported RTS rates consistently. Greater consistency in validated patient-reported measures could make evidence more useful for understanding postoperative sport outcomes and communicating them in clinical care.
What to keep in mind
The review found substantial variation in measures and assessment timepoints, limiting cross-study comparisons; the abstract does not report a formal assessment of study quality.