Dr.Ashish Joint Replacement Center is one of the Best Joint Replacement Centers in Patna, which is a pioneer in providing the best joint replacement surgeries using Robotic Technology.

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AJRC Address: GC-5, GC-6, 5th Floor, Savera Hospital Campus, Lohiya nagar, Kankarbagh, Patna, Bihar 800020, India.

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At AJRC Orthopedic Hospital, Patna, we offer advanced regenerative treatments such as Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) to help patients with cartilage damage restore joint function and avoid early joint replacement. ACI is a breakthrough in articular cartilage restoration, allowing patients to regain mobility and live pain-free.

Whether caused by sports injuries, knee trauma, or cartilage degeneration, damaged cartilage does not heal easily on its own. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) uses a patient’s own cartilage cells to repair defects and regenerate healthy tissue. With our expertise in regenerative medicine and a reputation as one of the best ACI hospitals in India, AJRC ensures high success rates and patient-centered care.

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What is Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)?

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), also known as Autologous Cartilage Implantation, is a procedure in which healthy cartilage cells are harvested from the patient, multiplied in a laboratory, and then implanted into the damaged area of the knee.

This treatment is highly beneficial for patients with articular cartilage damage who are not ready for total joint replacement.

Key highlights of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI):

  • Uses the patient’s own cells, reducing rejection risk
  • Restores damaged knee cartilage for long-term joint health
  • Suitable for young and middle-aged patients with cartilage injuries
  • Considered a gold-standard cartilage restoration method

How is ACI Surgery Performed?

The ACI procedure is carried out in two main stages:

  • Cartilage Cell Harvesting (First Surgery):

    1 A small sample of healthy cartilage is taken from the patient’s knee.

    2 These cells are sent to a specialized lab, where they are cultured and multiplied over several weeks.

  • Cartilage Cell Harvesting (First Surgery):

    1 A small sample of healthy cartilage is taken from the patient’s knee.

    2 These cells are sent to a specialized lab, where they are cultured and multiplied over several weeks.

BMAC Injection
Total joint replacement

How Does ACI Work?

Autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee promotes regeneration by replacing damaged cartilage with new, patient-derived tissue. Over time, the implanted cells integrate with existing cartilage, improving joint movement, reducing pain, and preventing further degeneration.

What Conditions Can ACI Treat?

ACI is recommended for patients who have:

Focal cartilage defects in the knee (not widespread arthritis)

Cartilage damage due to sports injuries or trauma

Early degeneration of knee cartilage

Symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited mobility

Robotic joint replacement
Total joint replacement

Do ACI Injections Have Side Effects or Risks?

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation is generally safe, but as with any surgical procedure, risks may include temporary swelling, stiffness, or mild pain after surgery. With the right rehab protocol, complications are rare, and long-term outcomes are highly successful.

How Does Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) Work?

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) works by repairing damaged cartilage using the patient’s own cartilage cells:

  • Cartilage Regeneration: Healthy cartilage cells harvested from the patient are cultured in a lab and then implanted into the cartilage defect, promoting the growth of new, functional tissue.

  • Pain Reduction: By restoring damaged cartilage, ACI reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness naturally.

  • Improved Joint Function: The regenerated cartilage integrates with surrounding tissue, improving flexibility, stability, and mobility in the knee.

  • Delays or Avoids Surgery: ACI addresses cartilage damage directly, reducing the need for early knee replacement or invasive procedures.

  • Long-Term Results: Unlike temporary treatments, ACI provides lasting cartilage repair, preserving joint health for years.

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Total joint replacement

What Conditions or Injuries Can ACI Treat?

ACI is particularly effective for patients with:

  • Knee Cartilage Defects: Focal cartilage damage caused by injury, trauma, or degeneration.
  • Osteochondral Injuries: Deep cartilage and bone damage in the knee joint.
  • Sports Injuries: Cartilage damage from ACL tears, meniscus injuries, or repetitive impact activities.
  • Early Arthritis or Degenerative Changes: Helps restore cartilage in patients with limited arthritis, delaying joint replacement.
  • Post-Traumatic Cartilage Loss: Cartilage defects following fractures or knee surgeries.
  • Chronic Knee Pain: Pain due to localized cartilage defects that haven’t responded to conservative treatments.

Benefits of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)

  • Restores natural cartilage tissue using patient’s own cells

  • Delays or prevents knee replacement surgery in younger patients

  • Long-term joint health with improved function and flexibility

  • Minimally invasive approach compared to full joint surgery

  • High success rates when performed by experienced surgeons

  • Personalized recovery plans including structured ACI rehab protocols

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Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Recovery Time

Recovery after ACI depends on the size and location of the cartilage defect. Typically:

  • Initial recovery (walking support, limited weight-bearing): 6–8 weeks
  • Strengthening phase (physiotherapy, gradual activity): 3–6 months
  • Full recovery for sports or heavy activity: 9–12 months

ACI Rehab Protocol


  • Early physiotherapy to maintain joint flexibility
  • Gradual weight-bearing exercises under supervision
  • Muscle strengthening to support joint stability
  • Progressive return to physical activities

At AJRC, our team provides a personalized autologous chondrocyte implantation rehab protocol for every patient, ensuring safe and effective recovery.

Cost and Accessibility

Many patients ask about ACI surgery cost in India. At AJRC, we provide transparent pricing, with costs depending on the extent of damage, lab processing requirements, and rehabilitation needs.

Compared to joint replacement surgery, the autologous chondrocyte implantation cost is often lower in the long term, as it preserves natural joint function and avoids repeat surgeries.

Resources Section

Articles on ACI

Testimonial Videos

Frequently Ask Question?

ACI is best for younger or middle-aged patients with localized cartilage damage in the knee who want to avoid early joint replacement.

Most patients resume normal walking within 6–8 weeks. Full recovery for sports and heavy activities usually takes 9–12 months.

The ACI surgery cost varies based on the size of the cartilage defect, lab processing fees, and rehabilitation needs. At AJRC, we provide customized cost estimates after consultation.

Yes, for patients with cartilage damage but not full-blown arthritis, autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee is preferable as it preserves natural joint function and delays or prevents knee replacement.

When performed by the best ACI doctors in India and combined with proper rehabilitation, ACI has a high success rate with long-lasting results.

Risks are minimal but may include temporary pain, swelling, or stiffness. Strict adherence to the ACI rehab protocol minimizes complications.

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Repair knee cartilage naturally with ACI at AJRC Orthopedic Hospital, Patna. Our experts help you recover from injuries, avoid early replacement, and regain an active lifestyle.