Gregory C. Janes, MBBS, FRACS, Thomas Bucher, MBBS, FRCS and Jay R. Ebert, ESSAM
Matrix induced autologous chondrocyte implants (MACI) have been investigated as a means of a three-step treatment for repairing chondral defects in the knee. First, normal articular cartilage is harvested during an arthroscopic biopsy procedure. The specimen of live articular cartilage is placed into a culture medium. Under a strictly controlled environment the cells are separated from the cartilage, multiplied using a cell-culture technique and undergo a final culturing process onto a biocompatible scaffold before being shipped to the operating room the day of implantation. It takes approximately six weeks to culture MACI for implantation. The cultured chondrocytes are implanted into the cartilage defect in a second arthroscopic procedure.
Ideally, candidates for matrix induced autologous chondrocyte implantion should be between 15 and 60 years of age, have full thickness localized defects of the femoral condyles, have intact menisci, have no generalized chondromalacia, have no limb misalignment and are willing and able to undergo vigorous rehabilitation. This procedure is not recommended for patients who have an unstable knee and is not recommended for use in children.
Results suggest that MACI provides a suitable mid-term treatment option for articular cartilage defects in the knee.
Specifications
- Total Run Time: 27:38 minutes
- Catalog Number: 5114
- VJO Publication Date: March, 2012