Overview:

 

This repairs damaged articular cartilage in your knee. That's a type of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Damaged articular cartilage will not heal on its own. Repairing it helps you stay active. MACI is a two-step procedure. This means you'll have two procedures a few weeks apart.

 

Biopsy:

 

The first step is a biopsy. It's a procedure to collect a small sample of healthy articular cartilage. To begin, you're put to sleep. One or more small openings are made in your knee. With the help of a video device called an "arthroscope," the surgeon takes the biopsy of healthy cartilage.

 

Creating the Patch:

 

The sample is sent to a lab. Your cartilage cells are cultured to create new cells. Then, your cells are put onto a special collagen membrane. This membrane is sent to your surgeon.

 

Implantation:

 

Now it's time for your second surgery. To begin, you're put to sleep. An incision is made in your knee. Your surgeon cleans up the edges of the damaged area. The membrane is trimmed and secured within it. As your knee heals, the cells in the membrane will produce new cartilage to fill in the damaged area.

 

End of Procedure:

 

After the surgery, you are watched in a recovery room as you wake up. Your surgeon will tell you when you can go home. Follow your surgeon's advice for a safe recovery.