The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of implanting autologous cartilage mini-grafts (or Cartibeads) into cartilage defects in the knee and ankle. Cartibeads are engineered from autologous articular chondrocytes (from the patient's own cartilage cells). A small cartilage biopsy (\~50 to 150 mg according to lesion size to be treated) is collected from a minimal weight bearing zone of the patient's articulation. Chondrocytes are extracted from the biopsy and expanded in culture. Our patented, standardized methodology then allows expanded cells to recover their capacity of producing hyaline matrix and to form cartilage mini-grafts (Cartibeads). These grafts are beads of 1 to 2 mm in diameter and have similar characteristics to native hyaline cartilage. Autologous Cartibeads are implanted into the patient's cartilage defect. Patients are then followed for 12 months for assessment of study endpoints, with safety being the primary outcome.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Safety
Timeframe: From enrolment to the end of follow-up at 12 months