42 observational cohorts were selected in this meta-analysis to compare the responsiveness of 6 common patient-oriented outcomes (PROs) after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to determine their responsiveness to functional improvement following treatment. The 6 different PROs included; the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36), the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), the Lysholm Knee Scale (Lysholm), the Modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System (MCKRS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC),and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Responsiveness of the PROs was assessed at the following time points: TP I <1 year, TP II<2 years, TP III 2 years to <4 years, TP IV >/= 4 years, and overall. All scales showed responses to improvement after ACI. Lysholm and IKDC scores were most responsive across time, while IKDC and KOOS-Sports were more responsive for long term outcomes. SF-36 physical component was least responsive overall.