How MACI works
MACI is a versatile treatment that uses your own cells to help regrow and repair your knee cartilage. If you and your doctor decide MACI is right for you, the process begins with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure (also known as a “scope”) to collect a sample of your cartilage cells (chondrocytes). This sample is then sent to a laboratory and allowed time to grow. Your cartilage cells will then be placed onto a specialized collagen membrane, becoming the MACI implant that is used in your procedure.1,2
Depending on your defect location and size, your doctor has options for MACI implant delivery:
Arthroscopy
Like your first “scope” procedure, a camera will be inserted through small incisions, and specially made instruments will be used to deliver your MACI implant
Mini Arthrotomy
This is the least invasive type of arthrotomy, where an incision gives surgeons direct access into the knee to deliver your MACI implant
During the MACI implant procedure, your surgeon will prepare your knee by removing the damaged cartilage. The MACI implant is shaped to match the defect, then placed and secured. Over time, your new cartilage will grow and fill in the defect.
Watch how this works
From Your
Cells to MACI
Learn more about knee pain and cartilage damage to better understand how they may be affecting your life.
How you rehab after the procedure is so important in your return to living life on your terms.
Answer some quick questions to help you and your doctor decide if MACI may be your next step.
Talk with real patients about their experience with MACI
Hear about real personal experiences with knee cartilage damage and MACI. The MACI Mentor Program gives you an opportunity to connect one-on-one with real people who have had the MACI implantation procedure.
To speak with a MACI Mentor, call 1-888-237-5493 or click here
“My MACI implant had a positive impact on my ability to participate in daily activities. I can now spend long hours on my feet at work with confidence, and I’m back to enjoying the activities I love.”
—Kayla, MACI patient*
*Paid testimonial by a MACI patient. Individual results may vary.
See Kayla’s and others’ stories about how MACI has helped them get back to their active way of life.
Sign up to get information on the MACI implantation procedure, patient support, and more with our free welcome packet.
Kayla, MACI patient
* 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. 2. Brittberg M, Recker D, Ilgenfritz J, Saris D. 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.