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Cartilage Transplantation


 

What is it?

One of the most exciting advances in the treatment of knee injuries is the ability to treat damage to the articular cartilage(surface of the joint). Dr Halbrecht was one of the first surgeons in the United States to perform the technique of chondrocyte implantation. With this method, cartilage cells are taken from the injured knee and cloned in the laboratory using cell culture techniques. They are then re implanted back into the joint to regrow cartilage on the damaged surface. This technique was initiated in Sweden and has been available in the United States since 1995. FDA approval was officially obtained in September of 1997.

 

Who is eligible?

ACI is indicated for the younger patient with an isolated articular cartilage injury to the surface of the femur in the knee joint. Recommended age range is 16-55.

What are the results?

Thousands of patients have been treated worldwide with chondrocyte implantation. Current results indicate that patients can expect a 90% chance of successful treatment for isolated articular cartilage injuries of the femur.

How does it work?

Cartilage tissue is removed arthroscopically from the injured knee and sent to a special laboratory, Genzyme Tissue Repair, where the cells are removed and cloned using specialized cell culturing techniques. The initial procedure to remove the cells is performed under local anesthesia and can be performed in the office. The cells are then returned to the surgeon for reimplantation 4 weeks later. Implantation of the cells is performed through an incision to expose the joint and to sew in a patch of tissue to cover the joint defect. The patch is taken from the lining of the adjacent bone. The cartilage cells are then implanted underneath the patch and the patch is sealed using a “glue” made from the patients own blood serum.



Postoperative Care

Patients are placed into a passive motion machine for 2 weeks. Quadriceps contractions and leg raises are begun immediately. Weight bearing is not allowed for 6 weeks in order to protect the cell implant. After 6 weeks weight bearing and a progressive strengthening and functional exercise program is begun. Return to sports is delayed for 6 months to one year to allow maturation of the cartilage.

Genzyme Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation ( Genzyme Procedure) for Chondral Defect of the Knee.
Jeffrey Halbrecht MD San Francisco

 

Location

IASM
3000 California Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415-923-0944
Fax: 415-923-5896

Office Hours

Get in touch

415-923-0944