Cartilage defects represent a serious problem due to the poor regenerative properties of this tissue. Regarding the nose, nasal valve collapse is associated with nasal blockage and persistent airway obstruction associated with a significant drop in the quality of life for patients. In addition to surgical techniques, several cell-based tissue-engineering strategies are studied to improve cartilage support in the nasal wall, that is, to ameliorate wall insufficiency. Nevertheless, there are no congruent data available on the benefit for patients during the follow-up time. In this manuscript, we propose an innovative approach in the treatment of cartilage defects in the nose (nasal valve collapse) based on autologous micro-grafts obtained by mechanical disaggregation of a small portion of cartilage tissue (Rigenera^® protocol). In particular, we first analyzed in vitro murine and human cartilage micro-grafts; secondly, we analyzed the clinical results of a patient with pinched nose deformity treated with autologous micro-grafts of chondrocytes obtained by Rigenera^® protocol. The use of autologous micro-graft produced promising results in surgery treatment of cartilage injuries and could be safely and easily administrated to patients with cartilage tissue defects.

(1) Background: Focal chondral defects of the knee can significantly impair patient quality of life. Although different options are available, they are still not conclusive and have several limitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of autologous cartilage micrografts in the treatment of knee chondropathy. (2) Methods: Eight patients affected by knee chondropathy were evaluated before and after 6 months and 3 years following autologous cartilage micrografts by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cartilage measurement and clinical assessment. (3) Results: All patients recovered daily activities, reporting pain reduction without the need for analgesic therapy; Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 28.4 ± 6 and 40.8 ± 6.2 and visual analogue scale (VAS) was 5.5 ± 1.6 and 1.8 ± 0.7 before and after 6 months following treatment, respectively. Both scores remained stable after 3 years. Lastly, a significant improvement of the cartilage thickness was observed using MRI after 3 years. (4) Conclusions: Autologous cartilage micrografts can promote the formation of new cartilage, and could be a valid approach for the treatment of knee chondropathy.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a frequent orthopedic disease leading to destruction of the hip joint and disabling arthritis. Several procedures have been developed to treat the joint deterioration in case of osteonecrosis, trying to avoid or delay an intervention of total hip replacement, especially in young patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the use of autologous bone micrografts derived from cancellous bone in the management of avascular ONFH. The treatment described was implemented using the Rigenera® protocol to obtain autologous micrografts: small fragments of cancellous bone collected by femoral neck, disaggregated and injected in the necrotic area using an empty screw. Twenty adult patients affected by avascular ONFH were enrolled in this study; all patients reported a preoperative intermittent coxo-arthrosis and limited function of intra and extra rotation of the hip. Inclusion criteria were an Oxford Hip Score between (OHS) 20 and 39, a Harris hip score (HHS) showing pre-operative poor results (lower than 70 points) and a stage II-IIIA and IIIB according with the classification proposed by the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO). Using an MRI evaluation, after six months, the authors observed a complete regression of necrotic area and the restoration of osseous structure. Clinical outcome has been evaluated at 6-12 and 24 months follow-up. At the final F.U. the HHS rised from poor to good results (mean value at final F.U of 84) while the OHS improved significantly already after 21 days from micrografts injection (mean 35.4 ± 7.5) with an increasing trend until to two-year final FU (mean 37.4 ± 9.5). The full recovery of daily and mild sport activities was reached after 20 and 90 days from intervention, respectively. The results of this study are suggestive for a new approach in the treatment of avascular ONFH assuming a process of bone regeneration based on a dual mechanism of action, biological and mechanical, induced by micrografts and injected using an empty screw as vehicle.