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Regenerative Cartilage Therapy

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  • FDA-Cleared MACI® Regenerative Treatment for Knee Cartilage

Regenerative Cartilage Therapy (MACI® Procedure) at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

When knee pain from cartilage damage begins to limit your mobility, surgical intervention isn’t always the first solution. The MACI® (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure provides a clinically proven, FDA-cleared regenerative treatment designed to support cartilage repair and promote joint function. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we’re committed to helping patients make informed decisions through transparent, evidence-based education. Our goal is to guide you in understanding whether MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy may be appropriate for your condition.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

What Is MACI® Therapy?

The MACI® procedure involves taking a small sample of healthy cartilage, expanding the cells in a certified medical facility, and applying them to a collagen membrane. The prepared membrane is then implanted in the area of cartilage injury to help the body’s natural repair process.

  • Autologous Process:Uses a patient’s own cartilage cells, cultivated in a regulated medical environment.
  • Regenerative Approach: Designed to restore knee cartilage and joint health.
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure:Conducted under FDA-reviewed standards for regenerative orthopedic care. knee cartilage via BLA

  • Autologous Process
  • Regenerative Approach
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why MACI® Is Used for Knee Cartilage Repair?

MACI® is indicated for patients with localized, full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee—with or without limited bone involvement. It is often recommended for adults who are physically active and seeking to preserve their natural knee cartilage and joint movement. U.S. Food and Drug Administration → FDA Guidance on MACI®.

Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides MACI® regenerative therapy for patients:

  • Whose cartilage injuries haven’t improved through conservative treatments
  • Who wish to delay or reduce the need for joint replacement
  • Who want to preserve joint function and mobility

For official FDA information, please visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for guidance on MACI®.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Clinical Research & Outcomes

Clinical studies have shown that MACI® regenerative therapy supports improved knee function and sustained cartilage repair compared to traditional microfracture techniques. In published trials, most patients reported measurable improvement in knee performance and durability of cartilage healing over time. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our approach focuses on evidence-based orthopedic solutions designed to restore confidence, strength, and mobility.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

The MACI® Regenerative Cartilage Treatment Journey at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Step 1: Diagnostic Evaluation

    A comprehensive orthopedic consultation reviews your medical history, knee pain, and diagnostic imaging to determine if MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy may be an appropriate treatment option.

  • Step 2: Cartilage Biopsy

    Using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique, Dr. Burke collects a small sample of healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area of the knee for laboratory preparation.

  • Step 3: Cell Preparation

    The cartilage sample is processed in a certified medical facility, where the patient’s cartilage cells are expanded and placed on a biocompatible collagen membrane following regulated medical standards. Learn more about the MACI® process.

  • Step 4: Implantation Procedure

    During a minimally invasive surgical procedure, Dr. Burke places the prepared MACI® membrane at the site of the cartilage defect. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and are followed by a structured rehabilitation plan. View rehabilitation details

  • Step 5: Rehabilitation & Recovery

    Post-procedure recovery includes guided weight-bearing restrictions and progressive physical therapy over several months. Each rehabilitation program is tailored to individual recovery goals to support long-term joint health. Learn more about recovery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for MACI® Regenerative Cartilage Therapy

MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy is designed for individuals who want to restore knee function and maintain an active lifestyle through advanced orthopedic care. It may be appropriate for patients who have:

  • Localized, medium-sized cartilage injuries (typically 1.5–4 cm²)
  • Are generally between 18 and 55 years of age
  • Experienced limited results from nonsurgical care such as physical therapy or joint injections
  • A desire to remain active while preserving their natural knee function and delaying joint replacement

Note: MACI® is not typically recommended for patients with advanced arthritis or severe joint degeneration.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Free Resource: “Is MACI® Right for Your Knee?”

Explore our free educational guide to learn more about MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy and how it compares to other orthopedic treatment options. Inside the guide, you’ll find:

  • A step-by-step overview of the MACI process
  • Clinical research summaries
  • Comparisons with other knee preservation procedures
  • Recovery and rehabilitation expectations
  • Key questions to help guide your treatment decisions

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
Download the MACI Guide

About Dr. Robert L. Burke

Dr. Robert L. Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint preservation and regenerative orthopedic care. With decades of experience, Dr. Burke focuses on helping patients understand their treatment options through evidence-based medicine and compassionate education. He ensures that:

  • Every patient receives individualized, evidence-based treatment recommendations
  • All procedures follow FDA-reviewed and clinically recognized standards
  • Each care plan includes diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up support

“We combine advanced orthopedic care with education and transparency—your goals always guide the plan.” – Dr. Burke

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Patient Feedback

“MACI® replaced what seemed like an inevitable knee replacement. Two years out, I have cartilage in place and functionable pain relief.” – Jordan P., Houston

“The lab processing part made sense when explained. Seeing my own cartilage cells grown and implanted gave me peace of mind.” – Alicia M., Pearland

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Expected Outcomes

Clinical research and published data indicate that many patients who undergo MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy experience improvements in knee comfort, strength, and function over time. Results vary depending on age, activity level, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

  • High response rates — approximately 85% of patients report improved knee function and mobility.
  • Pain and function improvements are typically observed within two years and can be maintained long-term with proper care.
  • Optimal recovery is often achieved when combined with a personalized rehabilitation plan.
  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure — no general anesthesia, dissolvable sutures, and no graft rejection.

Note: Individual recovery experiences vary. Clinical outcomes depend on injury type, adherence to therapy, and overall joint health.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

MACI® Features at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics in Houston, we offer MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy as part of our commitment to providing evidence-based, minimally invasive orthopedic solutions. Each treatment is performed under clinically guided protocols designed to promote joint health and functional recovery.

  • FDA-cleared, first-of-its-kind cartilage scaffold procedure designed to help restore knee function.
  • In-office biopsy and precise arthroscopic implantation performed by Dr. Robert L. Burke.
  • Personalized, lab-cultured cartilage membranes created in a certified medical facility—no donor tissue involved.
  • Evidence-supported outcomes combined with structured physical rehabilitation for lasting mobility.

Note: Individual results may vary based on injury severity, age, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Other Regenerative Technologies

While MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy focuses on restoring cartilage in the knee, Dr. Burke Orthopedics also evaluates advances in orthopedic biotechnology, including biocompatible implants and regenerative medicine research. Our clinic continually monitors safe, FDA-cleared developments to ensure that every patient receives care supported by scientific evidence.

Your treatment plan will always be individualized—tailored to your joint health, lifestyle goals, and long-term mobility needs, never based on unverified trends or experimental procedures.

  • Innovative regenerative therapy focused on orthopedic restoration
  • Personalized, patient-centered treatment planning
  • FDA-cleared orthopedic technologies designed for safety and effectiveness

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Next Steps

Taking the next step toward recovery begins with understanding your options. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our goal is to provide patients in Houston and Pearland with clear, evidence-based guidance for every stage of care. If you are considering MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy, here’s how to move forward:

  • Schedule a consultation to confirm whether MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy is suitable for your knee condition
  • Discuss the potential benefits, rehabilitation timeline, and any associated considerations with Dr. Burke
  • Compare MACI® with other available orthopedic options to make an informed treatment decision

Our mission is to empower your decision—whether that involves MACI®, PRP, or standard orthopedic care—so you can move forward confidently toward recovery and restored mobility.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Free Resources & Research

Explore trusted sources and peer-reviewed findings related to MACI® regenerative cartilage therapy and orthopedic advancements. These resources provide clinical insight, FDA-reviewed data, and ongoing research updates for patients seeking to understand cartilage restoration options.

Note: External resources are provided for educational purposes only. Dr. Burke Orthopedics does not endorse third-party products or non-FDA-regulated therapies.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy

Ready to Learn More?

Talk with a Houston orthopedic specialist about personalized cartilage restoration options.

(713) 436-3488
Same day consult

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long is the full process?
    About 8–12 weeks between biopsy and implant procedure, plus 3–12 months rehab .
  • Is there risk of rejection?
    No—MACI® uses your own cells on a porcine scaffold with negligible rejection risk.
  • Are results permanent?
    Data shows benefits lasting at least 5 years; long-term monitoring is ongoing .
  • Does insurance cover MACI®?
    Coverage varies; lab costs are often separate. We assist with insurance navigation.
"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."