Articular cartilage defects are not uncommon. Traumatic injuries during sports are often the cause. Physicians have various surgical treatment options – from bone marrow-stimulating techniques to the matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) commonly used today.
With Spherox® there is now a further advance in this process. A special technology makes it possible to encapsulate the autologous cells in their own extracellular matrix, forming self-adhering spheroids. The doctor can then insert these arthroscopically. That should simplify the process – for the doctor and the patient. For example, there is no longer a need to create a large access to the joint if the defect is behind the kneecap. Hospital stays might be shortened and rehabilitation accelerated.
In a head-to-head comparative study, Spherox passed and demonstrated non-inferiority to microfracture, a bone marrow stimulating technique. With regard to the points “everyday activities” and “sport and leisure time”, there was even a significantly better result under Spherox compared to microfracture.
Sven Siebenand, Editor-in-Chief
