3 Reasons to Be Thankful for Mobility with MACI

Losing mobility frequently leads to a loss of independence. Knee pain is one of the most common symptoms that can lead to a loss of mobility. Luckily, most knee pain can be effectively treated. The MACI Procedure has one of the highest success rates for the treatment of joint pain in the knee.  It is a state-of-the-art treatment that we are proud to offer.

What is MACI?

MACI (Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation) is a minimally invasive orthopedic surgery that is indicated for cartilage damage in the knee. The procedure consists of using autologous stem cell therapy. The term ‘autologous’ refers to the use of stem cells from your own body to grow new, healthy cartilage.

MACI is groundbreaking in the field of orthopedics. Knee pain is often caused by cartilage damage. After seeing an orthopedic doctor who will determine a diagnosis of the root cause of your pain, they may recommend the MACI procedure.

The procedure itself is straightforward, uncomplicated, and has a success rate of up to 85%. Other, more invasive surgeries require longer recovery periods and are more involved, which usually means more pain. Recovery from MACI is less painful, and the progress you will make to return to all activities is easier and faster.

You can expect full range of motion restored in the knee and the ability to fully weight bear with no protective brace on your knee joint in 8 to 12 weeks.

3 Things You’ll be Thankful to Have Back after MACI

Below are examples of three activities that are second nature to you now. But once you require knee surgery, you may be in danger of losing these functions and will most likely do anything to get them back. These are just examples; they may not apply to you - and there are many more.

• Keeping up with the kids
• Returning to your favorite hobbies
• Simply being able to fully move and walk/run again.

Simple, daily activities that you don’t need to think twice about when your knee joints are fully healthy are at risk of being compromised when there is deterioration of structures in the knee. Having the MACI Procedure can almost guarantee that these functions will not be lost forever.

Do You Qualify?

Most of the population would qualify as a candidate for the MACI Procedure. However, there are a minimal number of contraindications having to do with age, location of the cartilage damage allergies, and prior conditions and procedures. These are:

• Types/ location of cartilage damage in the knee: The MACI Procedure is indicated for the area of Lateral femoral condyle, medial femoral condyle with or without bone involvement, the patella (often felt as kneecap pain), and the trochlea.
• Age: MACIs proven success rate is currently limited to the age range of 18–55-year-olds. Safety and efficacy for this procedure are undetermined at this time for patients outside of this age range.
• Allergies: if know that you have an allergy to antibiotics or other materials derived from pigs, you should not have the MACI Procedure.
• Other conditions: severe osteoarthritis of the knee, infections, or blood clotting conditions
• Prior procedures: you should not undergo the MACI Procedure within 6 months of another knee surgery.