Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 15 to 50

Using autologous chondrocyte suspension for knee cartilage repair

Official title: Introduction of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Procedure for the Treatment of Chondral Defect in the Knee

Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois · NCT04296487 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether using a patient’s own cartilage cells can help repair knee cartilage damage and improve their knee function over a year.

More Chondral Defect trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages15 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment218 (estimated)
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2017
Main results expectedSeptember 2030
Study endsSeptember 2030
Registry record updatedMarch 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT04296487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 15 to 50 with specific cartilage lesions that have not responded to prior treatments.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a BMI of 35 or more, active arthritis, or other specified exclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of autologous chondrocyte suspension in treating knee articular cartilage defects. Participants will undergo a biopsy for cell production, followed by cell implantation and a strict rehabilitation protocol over 12 months. Assessments will include MRI evaluations, collection of adverse events, and orthopedic scores at multiple follow-up intervals (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months). Informed consent is obtained from all participants prior to the procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the healing and function of knee cartilage in affected patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using autologous chondrocyte implantation have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 15 and 50.
2. Lesions classified as ICRS Grade III or IV and smaller than 15 cm2
3. Lesions that have failed prior therapy (conservative or surgical treatment ≥ six months)
4. Subjects who understand and sign the consent form for this study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more
2. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
3. Diffuse lesion
4. Uncorrected mal-alignment, ligamentous instability, or meniscal tear
5. Presence of growth cartilage (15-18 years old)
6. Active smoking or drug consumption
7. Women who are pregnant
8. Positive serology for HIV-1 or HIV-2, Hepatitis B and C and syphilis
9. Proven allergy to porcine collagen, penicillin and gentamicin
10. Poor compliance

Where it's running

  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois - CHUV
    Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.