Magnetic resonance imaging of autologous chondrocyte implantation

There is now over 10 years experience with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for the management of full-thickness chondral injuries in the knee. This article briefly reviews the surgical procedure, the time lines of graft maturation, and patient rehabilitation in the context of postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment. The normal and abnormal appearances of ACI repair cartilage on MR images are described, with an emphasis on the MR appearances of the complications that may occur after this procedure, and the usefulness of MR imaging for the surgeon.