Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
In this procedure a small sample of tissue is taken from a healthy part of the knee articular cartilage, cartilage cells (chondrocytes) are collected from this sample and multiplied in a laboratory over a period of weeks to increase the number of cells. The cells are then seeded on a synthetic membrane made from collagen…
As with all surgery there is no guarantee of 100% success and there are problems that can occur. One of the main problems is that the graft may simply not grow well enough to do its job resulting in either persistent symptoms at the same or slightly worse level, or symptoms not allowing the patient…
Other Factors in Deciding Indications For the new repaired area to grow properly and to last it is important to consider treating other problems that may be affecting the knee. If the knee is out of alignment (bowlegs or knock-knees) then this can be corrected with an osteotomy operation cutting through and realigning the bones….
Indications and expectations for the MACI procedure MACI is indicated for treatment of areas of damage to the articular surface where more simple treatments such as arthroscopic debridement (smoothing of the worn surface) have not helped and when there are significant symptoms limiting activities of daily living and work. The usual symptoms are pain on…
Treatment for Cartilage Damage Small areas of wear or damage can be helped by reducing activity level and taking occasional painkillers and surgery can often be avoided. The simplest form of surgery is Arthroscopic debridement which helps by simply tidying up the roughened surfaces to reduce the catching. This is a day case procedure with…
Articular Cartilage and Damage to the Knee surfaces – the relevance for cartilage repair Articular cartilage is the bearing surface on the ends of the bones that allows smooth and easy movement of the knee joint. The joint is enclosed by a capsule rather like a rubber gaiter around an engineering joint and the lubrication…
The MACI procedure (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) is a technique to repair areas of damage to articular cartilage – the normally smooth bearing surface in the knee joint. Once damaged, articular cartilage normally does not heal itself, and the MACI technique involves repairing the surface with a synthetic membrane seeded with a patient’s own cells….
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Cartilage Repair in the knee Authors Tim Spalding (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, UHCW NHS Trust) Pete Thompson (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, UHCW NHS Trust) Ivor Hughes (Lead Physiotherapist at Hospital of St Cross, Rugby) Hannah Bakewell (Warwick Medical School) Thomas Hardy (Warwick Medical School) Karen Hambly (Sports Scientist and Physiotherapist, Centre for Sports Studies,…
