MACI

hey guys, have you heard of MACI? Well, i didn't and so i thought i'd share some basic information with you guys.

MACI stands for matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation. Basically, it's a type of articular cartilage repair. These repair procedures can be generally classified into 4 broad categories. They are

1) Arthroscopic lavage and debridement
2) Marrow stimulating techniques
3) Osteochondral autografts and allografts
4) Cell-based repair including autologous chondrocyte implantation

MACI involves obtaining a small amount of the patient's cartilage ( via a biopsy usually via an arthroscopy) and then culturing the cells and seeding them on a membrane. Once this process is complete, the cells are returned to the surgeon . The surgeon than clears any damaged tissue in the knee and fixes the membrane of cultured cells into the defect. Over several months, these cells create a matrix that covers the articular surface, in effect replacing the lost cartilage in the knee.

Key benefits of the MACI include a shortened recovery time, a shortened intervention time due to a smaller incision, earlier return to work and sport, excellent clinical outcomes and application to multiple joints (now available in the knee and ankle).

Post MACI, the patient will have to undergo months of physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength. Much like any cartilage repair, the physiotherapy sessions will include progressive weight-bearing and mobility and strengthening for the affected muscles and joints. The program should also be guided by pain responses and cartilage repair but the patient should achieve full weight-bearing by week 12. There are some protocols available online and here are 2 useful websites:

http://www.kneeclinic.info/download/Carticel_ACI_Rehabilitation_Guide.pdf
http://www.genzyme.nl/thera/joint/MACI%20product%20information.pdf

Hope it is useful especially for those who are also on their musculo-prac.