Hi guys,
I am in my orthopaedics residency, so just starting to dive into this amazing world of orthopaedics.
However, i have been studying this biological cartilage replacement for a while now.
Simply put it -
ACI (autologous chondrovyte implantation) is a 1st generation of cartilalge regeneration (cells grown from patients' cartilage biopsy, then multiplied in the lab and replanted during second open operation under the periosteal patch).
MACI (or ACI w/ matrix) means instead of periosteal patch you use collagen membrane (usually type I/III).
CCI (characterised chondrocyte implantation) is what you would call 3rd gen, because you get your chondrocytes in to a 3d scaffold (structure made of collagen, hyaluronan), which you combine with characterised chondrocytes. Characterised meaning the ones that are more capable of producing hyaline-like cartilage (namely collagen II) instead of fibrous one. 3d composition helps mimicking actual biological environments.
Since the 3rd gen operation is the most challenging one it is the most expensive.
hope this helps, will answer any questions if you'd like
