The question "What can grow cartilage?" is best answered by exploring medical procedures designed to regenerate or repair damaged cartilage. Here are methods that can facilitate cartilage growth, drawing from the provided references:
Medical Procedures That Promote Cartilage Growth
Several advanced medical techniques are used to encourage cartilage growth and repair, particularly in joints like the knees. These methods involve different approaches:
Membrane-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI)
- What it is: MACI is a surgical procedure where healthy cartilage cells (chondrocytes) are harvested from the patient's own body. These cells are then grown in a lab and subsequently implanted back into the damaged cartilage area with a membrane for support.
- How it works: This process leverages the body's own cells to rebuild the damaged cartilage matrix. According to the references provided, this technique uses the body's own cartilage-forming cells to restore damaged cartilage.
- Ideal for: MACI is often used for treating larger cartilage defects, particularly in the knee.
Osteochondral Grafting
- What it is: This procedure involves transplanting healthy cartilage along with some underlying bone (osteochondral) from a donor site to the injured area.
- How it works: It provides a complete structural replacement for both cartilage and bone, promoting faster and more comprehensive healing.
- Ideal for: Suitable for cases of severe cartilage damage that also affect the bone underneath.
Osteoarticular Transfer System (OATS) Procedure
- What it is: OATS is similar to osteochondral grafting but usually involves transferring smaller plugs of cartilage and bone.
- How it works: Multiple small plugs are harvested from non-weight-bearing areas of the joint and transplanted to repair the damaged area.
- Ideal for: This is suitable for smaller areas of cartilage damage.
Osteotomy
- What it is: This procedure doesn't directly grow cartilage but realigns the bones around the joint to reduce stress on damaged cartilage.
- How it works: By repositioning bones, the pressure and wear on the cartilage are reduced, which allows the cartilage to heal naturally and prevent further damage.
- Ideal for: Osteotomy is used for patients with malalignment issues that contribute to cartilage problems.
Summary of Methods
| Procedure | How It Works | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| MACI | Uses patient's own cartilage cells, grown in a lab, to repair damaged area. | Larger cartilage defects, especially in the knee. |
| Osteochondral Grafting | Transfers healthy cartilage and bone from a donor site to the injured area. | Severe cartilage damage affecting both cartilage and bone. |
| OATS Procedure | Transfers small plugs of healthy cartilage and bone to the damaged area. | Smaller areas of cartilage damage. |
| Osteotomy | Realigns bones to reduce pressure on damaged cartilage, promoting natural healing and preventing further damage. | Malalignment issues contributing to cartilage problems. |
These procedures collectively represent significant advances in the ability to manage and regenerate cartilage. They all share the goal of restoring joint function and reducing pain.
