Cartilage Damage (MACI Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine)

Cartilage Damage (MACI Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine) – Restoring Knee Health Naturally

Overview

Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet in the knee joint. It allows for frictionless movement, absorbs shock, and supports stability. When cartilage becomes damaged — due to injury, repetitive use, or degenerative disease — the result is pain, stiffness, and loss of motion that can progressively worsen over time.

Unlike other tissues in the body, cartilage does not heal on its own because it lacks direct blood supply. However, modern regenerative medicine now offers advanced options to restore damaged cartilage using your body’s own cells.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we proudly offer MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation), an FDA-approved regenerative procedure that repairs cartilage naturally by reimplanting a patient’s own cartilage cells to restore smooth joint surfaces. Patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas turn to Dr. Burke for expertise in this innovative, minimally invasive therapy.

What Is Cartilage Damage?

The knee joint relies on articular cartilage to cushion and protect the bones during movement. When this tissue is injured or worn down, the bones may rub directly against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and long-term degeneration.

Types of cartilage damage include:

Focal defects: Localized injuries from trauma or sports.
Degenerative thinning: Gradual wear due to aging or arthritis.
Post-surgical or post-traumatic defects: Damage following knee injury or prior surgery.

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Common Causes and Risk Factors

Cartilage damage can result from acute trauma or gradual breakdown over time.

Common causes include:

Sports injuries such as twisting, pivoting, or impact
Repetitive stress on the knee joint
Obesity or excess body weight
Poor joint alignment or instability
Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis
Previous knee surgeries or fractures

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Risk factors include:

High-impact activity or overtraining
Aging and loss of cartilage elasticity
Genetic predisposition to joint degeneration
Weak surrounding muscles reducing joint support

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Symptoms

Cartilage damage may not cause immediate pain but tends to worsen with time as the joint deteriorates.

Common symptoms include:

Deep, aching pain inside the knee
Swelling or stiffness after activity
Clicking, grinding, or catching sensations
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty walking, bending, or squatting
Episodes of the knee “locking” or “giving out”

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Symptoms may mimic those of arthritis, so accurate diagnosis is key to determining the best treatment.

Diagnosis

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation to assess the extent of cartilage injury and identify the best course of treatment.

Diagnostic process includes:

X-rays: Evaluate bone alignment and rule out arthritis.
MRI: Provides detailed visualization of cartilage thickness and integrity.

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Imaging studies:

X-rays: Reveal bone spurs, arthritis, or alignment issues.
MRI: Detects cartilage loss, soft-tissue tears, or inflammation.

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Physical Therapy

A minimally invasive diagnostic tool that allows direct visualization of cartilage surfaces within the joint.
MRI: Detects cartilage loss, soft-tissue tears, or inflammation.

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Once cartilage loss or damage is confirmed, regenerative and surgical options can be planned to restore the joint surface.

Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the cartilage defect. Dr. Burke’s approach is centered on preserving natural joint tissue and promoting biological healing.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Activity modification: Reducing high-impact exercises and using low-impact alternatives such as swimming or cycling.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce pain and swelling.

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Physical Therapy

Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee improves joint support and reduces load on the damaged cartilage.

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PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections enhance natural tissue repair and may be used before or after regenerative procedures.

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Surgical and Regenerative Treatments

When cartilage damage is extensive, regenerative techniques can restore the joint’s surface and function.

Dr. Burke offers advanced options including:

A cutting-edge, FDA-approved procedure that uses your body’s own cartilage cells.
Healthy cartilage is collected during an initial arthroscopic procedure.
The cells are then multiplied in a lab and reimplanted into the damaged area on a bioabsorbable membrane.
These cells integrate with the surrounding tissue to rebuild new, functional cartilage.
Microfracture Technique: Stimulates the body’s natural healing response by creating small holes in the bone beneath the defect to promote cartilage regrowth.
Microfracture Technique: Stimulates the body’s natural healing response by creating small holes in the bone beneath the defect to promote cartilage regrowth.

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Arthroscopic Debridement

Removes damaged cartilage fragments to smooth the joint surface and reduce irritation.

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Reconstructive Surgery

May be needed for large or combined defects involving ligaments or bone.

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These advanced methods promote long-term knee restoration while minimizing recovery time.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Typical recovery timelines:

Conservative therapy: 6–8 weeks for pain reduction and improved flexibility.
MACI procedure: 3–6 months of structured rehabilitation for new cartilage integration.
Full activity: Often achieved by 6–9 months, depending on procedure type.

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Rehabilitation goals:

Protect the repaired area during early healing
Gradually restore strength, stability, and range of motion
Improve muscle support for long-term joint preservation

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Dr. Burke’s team provides a customized therapy plan, ensuring safe recovery and durable results.

Long-Term Outlook and Prevention

Cartilage restoration through MACI or related therapies offers excellent long-term outcomes. When combined with physical therapy and lifestyle management, patients often regain mobility and delay or avoid total joint replacement.

Preventive and maintenance strategies:

Maintain a healthy body weight
Use proper form and supportive footwear during exercise
Engage in low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
Address early knee pain before damage worsens
Continue strengthening exercises even after recovery

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Protecting your joints today helps ensure lasting mobility in the future.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek orthopedic care if:

Knee pain persists longer than a few weeks
You feel stiffness, swelling, or catching sensations in the joint
Pain worsens during activity or weight-bearing
You’ve experienced a prior injury and symptoms have returned
You wish to explore regenerative or surgical treatment options

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Early diagnosis improves success rates for cartilage restoration and prevents further deterioration.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If knee pain, stiffness, or grinding sensations are affecting your mobility, regenerative treatment could help restore your joint health.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in advanced cartilage restoration techniques, including MACI Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine, to help you move naturally and live pain-free again.

We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering state-of-the-art orthopedic care backed by decades of surgical and regenerative expertise.

Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or loss of function, please contact a medical professional immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.