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The procedure

The procedure

Microstructural scaffold (patch) insertion without autologous cell implantation aims to encourage new cartilage growth in the knee joint. It is done using a local or general anaesthetic. The damaged cartilage is removed either using open surgery or an arthroscope (a long, thin, tube-shaped instrument with a camera on the end) inserted through small cuts around the knee. Then tiny holes or breaks (microfractures) are made in the joint surface. A microstructural scaffold patch is cut to fit the size of the defect, and then fixed into place using surgical glue or stitches. The position of the patch is checked and the wound closed. The patch 'captures' cells released by the microfracturing, and acts as a scaffold for the new cartilage to grow on. The scaffold may contain collagen from animals.

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