Intended for U.S. health care professionals only
MACI rehabilitation is tailored for each patient’s success
Rehabilitation is integral to optimal recovery after MACI implantation. For those who cannot commit to a full rehab program, MACI may not be the right option. A customized rehabilitation plan should be created according to the abilities and needs of each patient.
MACI rehabilitation is tailored for each patient’s success
Rehabilitation is integral to optimal recovery after MACI implantation. For those who cannot commit to a full rehab program, MACI may not be the right option. A customized rehabilitation plan should be created according to the abilities and needs of each patient.
The following is an overview of the MACI recovery timeline*
Achieve routine
0–3 months
After the immediate post-surgery phase, patients should be able to work toward a pain-free and full passive knee extension with limited weight-bearing. Over time, the goal is to be free of ambulation devices and knee braces while becoming thoroughly independent with rehabilitation exercises.
Functional goals include:
- Mobile with crutches within first week
- Limited weight-bearing and pain-free, full knee extension by 2–3 weeks
- Independent home exercise as early as 1 month
- Full weight-bearing and full knee range of motion by 8–12 weeks post-surgery
- Free from knee brace by 8–12 weeks post-surgery
Build strength
3–6 months
During this phase, patients should begin to feel comfortable returning to recreational activities. An exercise program will help rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Patients may feel ready for more strenuous activity, so you may need to give explicit direction on what activities they are ready for at this stage.
Functional goals include:
- Full and pain-free weight-bearing and range of motion
- Continue progression of strengthening exercises without pain or swelling
- Transition to gym/home-based rehab
- Free from crutches
Be active
6–9 months
Patients should be able to enjoy a return to recreational activities and sports by gradually increasing the difficulty of their exercises. Every patient’s recovery is unique and should be guided by your assessment of graft maturation as well as mental preparedness of the patient and the general physical function and level of specific knee strength, stability, and support.
Functional goals include:
- Increase distance, time, and difficulty of exercises
- Ability to tolerate lengthy walking distances
- Return to a pre-operative level of activity
Over the course of a year, the matrix continues to expand and fill the cartilage defect.1
After implantation, chondrocytes migrate from the MACI membrane and adhere to the subchondral bone, forming new cartilage.2 As the matrix matures, it produces a durable repair tissue that expands to fill the defect.1
Tissue phases during MACI rehabilitation
0–3 months
Implantation & protection
Cells adhere to bone and begin to proliferate throughout the defect
3–6 months
Transition & proliferation
Continued proliferation forms a defect-spanning matrix
6–9 months
Remodeling & maturation
Expansion of the cell matrix into putty-like consistency, progressive hardening until durable repair tissue forms
9+ months after MACI
“I’m close to being back to the best shape of my life and keep improving every day. I have been able to get back to all the physical activities I love doing, like running, squatting, jumping, lunging, weight lifting, taking fitness classes, boxing, hiking, and camping.”
Chris, MACI patient
Paid testimonial by a MACI patient.
*Recovery time varies greatly as no two patients are alike. The goal is to restore optimal function in each patient as safely as possible. These timeframes are not universal and should be used for general guidance on which goals to reach before progressing to the next. MACI is contraindicated in patients who are unable to follow a physician-prescribed post-surgical rehabilitation program.
Timelines are based on clinical observations and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results for activity and repair tissue progress will vary.
Recovery from MACI treatment is highly individualized. The rehabilitation program is tailored specifically to each patient’s unique goals and objectives. Everyone heals at their own rate and cartilage will continue to mature over time. Patients should return to heavy impact activities such as cutting or pivoting as directed.
References: 1. Saris D. Price A Widuchowski W, et al; SUMMIT study group. Matrix-applied characterized autologous cultured chondrocytes versus microfracture: two-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial. Am J Sports Md. 2014;42(6):1384-1394. 2. Brittberg M, Recker D, Ilgenfritz J, Saris DBF; SUMMIT Extension Study Group. Matrix-applied characterized autologous cultured chondrocytes versus microfracture: five-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(6):1343-1351.