Rehabilitation After Oswestry Autologous-Chondrocyte Implantation: The OsCell Protocol

Objective: To develop a postoperative rehabilitation protocol for patients receiving autologous-chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to repair articular-cartilage defects of the knee. Data Sources: A careful review of both basic science and clinical literature, personal communication with colleagues dealing with similar cases, and the authors’ experience and expertise in rehabilitating numerous patients with knee pathologies, injuries, and trauma. Data Synthesis: Postoperative rehabilitation of the ACI patient plays a critical role in the outcome of the procedure. The goals are to improve function and reduce discomfort by focusing on 3 key elements: weight bearing, range of motion, and strengthening. Conclusions: The authors present 2 flexible postoperative protocols to rehabilitate patients after an ACI procedure to the knee.