What is autologous chondrocyte implantation?
Chondrocyte autologous implantation is a surgery that is performed on the patient to repair the damaged cartilage in the knee. The cartilage serves as a pillow between the bones, but when it is damaged, it cannot be repaired. Chondrocytes are cells that secrete cartilage and these cells can be used as biomedical treatment to repair cartilage. This procedure cannot be performed in patients suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, as these conditions cause cartilage disintegration and any new cartilage would also deteriorate. The autologous refers to the harvesting and implanting of the patient's own cells.
A patient experiencing pain, swelling or limited knee movement would first have to have X -rays or magnetic resonance (MRI) made of the area. The surgeon would then decide whether to autolimplant ogous chondrocyte. This operation is performed in two steps, the first step is minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. The camera is inserted into the knee joint to echooumala any damage to the cartilage. At the same time, a small biopsy or sample can be taken from the cartilage.
This cartilage sample is sent to the laboratory where the cells are extracted from the cartilage enzyme. These cells are then cultivated in a bowl of tissue culture in the laboratory, where they will grow and divide and generate millions of cells. Cells can grow outside the body in a protein solution containing nutrients and serum taken from the patient. After a few weeks, the patient's cell laboratory gives the patient back to the surgeon and the second part of the surgery is planned.
The second step of surgery is performed by cutting into the knee area to detect damaged cartilage. Kusperiosteum, the outer membrane covering the bone, is carefully removed from the bone in the knee area. The periosteum is sewn through the area of damaged cartilage and the surgeon can then accommodate refined cells with a membrane into the cartilage. These cells then eliminate the chraPavka and should repair a defective area.
The first 10-12 weeks after surgery will have to avoid twisting or tie on the knee. The patient should follow the exercise program recommended by surgeon or physiotherapist. A complete revival from the autologous chondrocyte implant can take several months to a year.