Carticel/Biopsy & Implantation (oh my)

Definition: CARTICEL (autologous cultured chondrocytes) is the only treatment that uses your own cultured cells to repair damaged knee cartilage. CARTICEL is a biologically advanced treatment that can help you return to your prior level of daily activity.

When Josh had his surgery last week, they went in to fix a tear in his meniscus but there was a worse problem and that was with his cartilage. Since his knee injury that happened about 6 years ago, the cartilage has been deteriorating. Because of the size of the cartilage injury and because of his young age, he qualifies for a procedure called "Carticel". They took out some of his healthy cartilage about the size of two tic-tacs and sent it to a Genzyme Biosurgery in Boston. They will grow his cells in a laboratory for over a five week period. Once the cells have multiplied, the are sent back to his doctor for implantation into his knee. They will make an incision to expose the knee and remove the damaged cartilage. A small piece of tissue will be taken from his shin bone and sewn into place to cover the injury. His new cells will then be injected underneath the patch, and over time, can form cartilage similar to that of the original.

Its amazing what they can do these days, we are doing this in hopes that he can get his knee somewhat back to normal, reduce pain and improve movement and function. The bad thing about this surgery is the recovery process it is very long, for at least 6 weeks he cannot put any weight on his knee, he will have special exercises to increase his range of motion and strengthen his leg muscle. Then will continue with therapy in a 3-8 month period. Good thing he is going to school to be a Physical Therapist, this might give him plenty of experience. Hang in there Josh, I know this has been a long and hard road for you, but you will see a light at the end of the tunnel very soon.