OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinic feasibility of arthroscopic microfracture technique plus stem cell transplantation for repair of articular cartilage injury of the knee.

METHODS: From October 2010 to March 2012, a total of 16 patients with articular cartilage injury of the knee were enrolled, including 12 males and 4 females, with the average age of 38.6 years (16-52). All cases of cartilage injury were confirmed by arthroscopy. Autologous bone marrow was extracted from patients at 2 weeks before treatment to isolate, culture and amplify bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The cell culture solution of 3-5 mL (about 10⁷ cells) was harvested. The articular cavity was clean by arthroscopy and microfracture technique was performed at the area of cartilage injury that was then covered with hemostatic gauze through a minimally invasive incision and the prepared bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were injected. The knee was bandaged with the elastic bandage after aspirating the joint cavity effusion by vacuum suction. Functional exercises were performed early by CPM. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After follow-up of 4-18 months, there were 13 cases of excellent, 2 cases of valid and 1 case of ineffective. According to Lysholm knee scores, the average scores were improved from 42 points (33-67 points) to 89 points (75-99 points) at 4 weeks after treatment. The function was satisfied and all patients were followed up without recurrence or worse. Under the arthroscopy, the combination of microfracture technique and autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is proved to be effective for articular cartilage injury of the knee and it can notably improve the clinic symptoms and recover the function of the knee.