Matrix Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)

Overuse or trauma, such as a fall, can actually injury cartilage in your knee. Unlike muscle or bone, cartilage has a very poor blood supply, which means that injuries are slow to heal and may even get worse with time. To correct this, your doctor may initially recommend more conservative non-surgical options. However, in those cases where symptoms continue, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) may be recommended as your best chance to recover.

MACI is a cartilage restoration procedure that uses your own cells to repair cartilage defects in your knee. Although this procedure is recommended for young patients with a single lesion under 2 cm and healthy underlying bone, it can alleviate knee pain, help you regain function and may even delay or prevent arthritis. The benefits of this approach include minimal tissue rejection, if at all, and the implanted material may further stimulate the production of new cartilage.