MACI® and MACI Arthro™ Cartilage Repair
Repair knee cartilage defects using your own cells.
MACI® (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane),
part of our Joint Restoration and Preservation category of treatment, is an ACI
(autologous chondrocyte implantation ) procedure that repairs cartilage using the
patient’s own cells. This minimally invasive procedure aims to restore the knee's
cartilage and reduce pain*1, improve function*1, and provide lasting results†1.
How does MACI work?
The MACI process begins with a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure to procure
a sample of your cartilage cells (chondrocytes). This sample is then sent to a laboratory
and allowed a period of time to grow. Your cartilage cells will then be placed onto a specialized collagen membrane becoming the MACI implant that is used in you
procedure. View the video and illustrated steps below.
About MACI Arthro™
Delivery of the MACI implant via MACI Arthro incorporates the advantages of an
arthroscopic approach with the long-term durability and established results of MACI.
When delivered arthroscopically, MACI knee cartilage repair offers a less invasive
surgical incision than knee cartilage treatment options via standard arthrotomy
(which requires a larger incision). Arthroscopic delivery of MACI is approved for accessible lesions up to 4cm. Depending on the location and size of the defect, you may be a candidate for MACI Arthro.
THE MACI PROCESS
STEP 1: During your arthroscopy, a procedure to look inside your knee, your surgeon
will take 2 to 3 small pieces of healthy knee cartilage, and send them to the MACI
state-of-the-art, FDA-licensed facility.
STEP 2: At the facility, your cartilage cells will be treated to help them expand and multiply. Your expanded cells are then placed onto a special porcine membrane and delivered to your surgeon for your procedure.
STEP 3: The membrane will be customized to match the size and shape of your cartilage defect before it is affixed, via mini-arthrotomy or MACI ARTHRO arthroscopy,
to the damaged area of your knee cartilage.
STEP 4: Once implanted into the damaged area, your cells detach from the
membrane, combine with proteins in your knee cartilage, and form a durable repair
tissue. This durable repair tissue continues to mature over time, filling your defect to regenerate the damaged cartilage.
STEP 5: You will begin a physician-prescribed rehabilitation program specifically designed for you. As you progress through the program, you should begin to
experience restored knee function, helping you get back to your active lifestyle.
SUCCESS STORIES - Real People, Real Recovery Stories
View Success Stories on the MACI Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of MACI?
Restores cartilage: The minimally invasive procedure aims to repair the damaged
cartilage and rebuild the joint surface.
Relieves pain: By repairing the cartilage, the MACI procedure can reduce pain
and improve knee function.
May delay or prevent joint replacement: In some cases, MACI may help delay
or prevent the need for a knee replacement surgery.
Can any surgeon treat me with MACI?
Only surgeons specially trained in MACI may perform the procedure.
Dr. Michael Gilmore is specially trained
in MACI and MACI ARTHRO surgery.
He is one of the leading MACI specialists in the Florida Panhandle and has been successfully performing the procedure for over a 10 years.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
MACI is covered by most insurance plans. However, it is best to contact us,
as well as your insurance provider, to make sure that your particular insurance
plan will cover the procedure.
Certified Experience You Can Trust.
Dr. Michael Gilmore, board certified orthopedic surgeon, is one of the leading MACI and MACI ARTHRO trained specialists in the Florida Panhandle and has been successfully treating patients with the MACI procedure for over a decade. Dr. Gilmore and his staff can help you improve your knee joint function, and reduce your pain.
Contact Us Today - (850) 407-7840
* In the SUMMIT clinical trial, MACI was shown to offer greater pain relief and improvement in function when compared to microfracture.
† Improvements in pain and function were maintained with MACI at year 5.
Reference: 1. Saris D, Price A, Widuchowski W et al. Matrix-Applied Characterized Autologous Cultured Chondrocytes Versus Microfracture. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(6):1384-1394. i:10.1177/0363546514528093
2. Edwards PK, Ebert JR, Janes GC, Wood D, Fallon M, Ackland T. Arthroscopic versus open matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation: results and implications for rehabilitation. J Sport Rehabil.
2014;23(3):203-215. doi:10.1123/jsr.2013-0042.
