Robert BurkeRegenerative Cartilage Therapy this Spring
Springtime brings a sense of renewal and energy. It’s also a great time to check in with your body and address any knee or joint pain that may have been lingering through the colder months. One common cause of knee pain is cartilage damage, which can limit movement and cause discomfort.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer an advanced treatment option known as Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)—a regenerative orthopedic procedure developed specifically to address cartilage injuries and promote healthy joint function.
What Is MACI?
MACI is an innovative regenerative cartilage therapy used to repair damaged cartilage in the knee. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, MACI targets the underlying cause—cartilage loss—by supporting the body’s ability to restore healthy tissue.
Cartilage damage may result from sports injuries, repetitive stress, or long-term wear and tear. The MACI procedure is designed to help rebuild this tissue, improving joint movement and reducing discomfort associated with cartilage deterioration.
Who Is a Candidate for MACI?
If you’ve been experiencing persistent knee pain due to cartilage injury, you may be a potential candidate for MACI. Most candidates have already tried conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, rest, or injections—without lasting improvement.
Ideal candidates for MACI typically include:
- Adults aged 18 to 55 years with confirmed cartilage damage.
- Individuals with cartilage defects in hard-to-treat knee areas such as:
- The lateral femoral condyle
- The medial femoral condyle (with or without bone involvement)
- The patella (kneecap region)
- The trochlea (groove at the end of the femur)
- Patients without allergies to antibiotics or collagen materials used in the procedure.
How Does MACI Work?
The MACI procedure uses the patient’s own healthy cartilage cells to help restore damaged areas of the knee joint. During the process, cartilage cells (chondrocytes) are collected from the knee and carefully cultivated under FDA-cleared laboratory conditions. These cells are then embedded onto a specialized membrane that supports new cartilage growth.
Once prepared, the new cell-based implant is placed into the damaged area of the knee, where it integrates naturally with existing tissue. Over time, this process helps restore the knee’s smooth joint surface, improving comfort, movement, and long-term function.
Scheduling an Appointment with Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Spring is the perfect time to take a proactive approach to your joint health. Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Houston and Pearland, offers comprehensive orthopedic evaluations and advanced treatments like MACI regenerative cartilage therapy.
To learn more or determine whether MACI is right for you, call (713) 436-3488 or schedule an appointment online today.
Disclaimer
All medical information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote or sell prescription or biologic products. Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides regenerative orthopedic care performed under FDA-cleared standards by licensed medical professionals. Individual results vary based on diagnosis and treatment response.