How MACI works
The 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.
During the MACI implant procedure, your cartilage cell sample will be embedded on a special collagen membrane, then implanted into your knee by your MACI specialist.
MACI is indicated for the repair of single or multiple symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the adult knee, with or without bone involvement. The videos are not intended to provide medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider with any questions. You should also talk to your healthcare provider before starting any exercise and to see if MACI may be right for you. Individual results will vary.
Watch how this works
From Your
Cells to MACI
From your cells to MACI: A step-by-step guide
When knee cartilage is damaged—from an injury or daily wear and tear—it cannot function properly, and doesn’t heal on its own. This means your cartilage injury could get worse over time, leaving you with more pain and limiting your physical activity.
MACI uses your own cells to repair your knee cartilage damage.
During your arthroscopy, a procedure to look inside your knee, your surgeon will take 2 to 3 pieces of healthy knee cartilage—each about the size of a Tic Tac®—and send them to our state-of-the-art, FDA-licensed facility.
At the facility, your cartilage cells will be treated to help them expand and multiply.
Your expanded cells are then placed onto a special membrane and delivered to your surgeon for your procedure.
The membrane will be customized to match the size and shape of your cartilage defect before it is affixed to the damaged area of your knee cartilage.
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.
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.
How you rehab after the procedure is so important in your return to living life on your terms.
Answer some quick questions to determine your level of pain and to help decide if MACI may be your next best step
Learn more about knee pain and cartilage damage to better understand how they may be affecting your life.
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 procedure.
To speak with a MACI Mentor, call 1-888-237-5493 or visit MACImentors.com
“My MACI procedure 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 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. doi:10.1177/0363546514528093