MACI Procedure

What is the MACI Procedure?

MACI is a regenerative therapy procedure, repairing cartilage using the patient’s own cells. It is used to provide long-lasting pain relief and improvement in function.

How does it Work?

A small biopsy of the patient’s cartilage cells (chondrocytes) is removed from the body and sent to a laboratory. The chondrocytes are seeded onto a collagen membrane and debrided back to healthy and stable cartilage. The cartilage cells regenerate and form a repair tissue that is able to fill the cartilage defect. MACI is then distributed onto the membrane using the proprietary Uniform Loading Unit (ULU), applying a controlled, uniform dose of cells to the defect in a less invasive surgical delivery. The procedure eliminates the need for suture fixation, allowing for a potentially quicker recovery period, less pain, and less scarring.

What are the Benefits?

• Functional repair tissue
• Reduced pain and improved function
• Improved Quality of Life
• Conformity to any defect
• Easily Affixed
• Less Invasive
• Does not require supplemental suture fixation
• Consistent delivery of a controlled, uniform dose of characterized cells to the defect area

What Conditions Could it Help?

MACI benefits patients suffering from joint issues in the knee. This includes:

• Cartilage damage from repetitive action
• Cartilage damage from osteoporosis
• Cartilage damage from trauma/traumatic events
• Lateral femoral condyle defect
• Medial femoral condyle with bone involvement defect
• Medial femoral condyle defect
• Patella defect
• Trochlea defect

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients are good candidates for the MACI Procedure. An initial consultation is required, allowing doctors to determine:

• Age (best if under 40)
• Depth and size of hole
• Surrounding medical or joint issues
• Extent of cartilage damage (best for large amounts of damage)

Dr. Burke, a leading Orthopedic doctor and surgeon, specializes in Regenerative Therapy using the MACI Procedure. Each patient is carefully evaluated and assessed, ensuring the best chances of a successful procedure. Call Dr. Burke Orthopedics at (713) 436-3488 or visit https://drburkeortho.com/contact-us/ to schedule an initial consultation appointment, determining if MACI is right for you.