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repairing articular cartilage |
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Autologous Cartilage Cell Implantation For articular cartilage defects larger than your thumbnail (or greater than 2cm2)) we offer a more advanced technique called Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI). Developed in Sweden in the late 80’s, introduced in the U.S. in 1995, and FDA approved in 1997, Cartilage Restoration Centers across the U.S. perform this advanced cartilage repair technique.
The surgeon removes a small amount of cartilage from the knee through a small arthroschopy incision. These few hundred chondrocyte cells are cultured to over 12 million cells. The surgeon then implants these autologous (i.e., “your own”) cells into the damaged area. Over several months these cells recreate the articular surface with a durable tissue quite similar to your own healthy knee cartilage. Osteochondral Allograft For even larger cartilage defects surgeons might have to fit a custom transplant from freshly donated cartilage. The procedure, osteochondral allografting, provides a durable joint resurfacing for more extensive damage.
The exciting possibilities of biologic tissue engineering
continue to move from the lab to the clinic. We might soon be able to
use primitive cells from bone marrow, or the covering on the bone called
periosteum, and induce them to become hyaline cartilage of
the kind found on the articular surfaces. A variety of growth
factors or hormones might help create the right joint environment for
hyaline cartilage to develop, remaining healthy and perhaps even
healing itself. Later in this millennium genetic reprogramming might
replace surgery. |
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The New Jersey Cartilage Restoration
Center |
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Future
Techniques