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knee

Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians offers a team of experienced and skilled orthopedic surgeons who perform ACI surgery and other advanced treatments for knee injuries. ACI, or autologous chondrocyte implantation, is a procedure that treats areas of cartilage damage in the knee. Without cartilage in the knee, the joint cannot move smoothly and it becomes painful during movement. If not treated, damaged cartilage can lead to degenerative arthritis, instability and eventual knee replacement surgery.

ACI is a sophisticated procedure that requires skilled surgical expertise. To ensure the outcome is successful, we will ensure you fit the ideal profile for ACI surgery, which includes patients with the following criteria:

  • Small, focal areas of cartilage damage (not widespread arthritis)
  • Pain or swelling that limits activity
  • Stable knee with no associated ligament damage
  • Weight appropriate for height (not obese)
  • Failed non-surgical treatments

Although ACI is a highly effective procedure, it does require intensive rehabilitation that patients should be aware of and prepared for. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we value the importance of educating our patients on the details of their condition as well as what to expect during their treatment and recovery.

How is ACI performed?

The basic idea of an ACI procedure is to take a few cartilage cells from the knee, grow them in the lab, and implant them into the area of cartilage damage for successful restoration.

In more detail, ACI can be explained as a two-step procedure. The first step involves arthroscopy to identify cartilage damage and collect cartilage cells. Once the cells have been sent to a laboratory and grown, the second surgical step of implantation is scheduled. During implantation, thick tissue over the shin bone (a periosteal patch) is harvested. The periosteal patch is then sewn securely over the area of damaged cartilage and the cultured cartilage cells are injected underneath the patch.

To learn if you are a candidate for ACI to restore your knee cartilage, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our elite orthopedic surgeons. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we welcome the opportunity to restore your knee health and help you regain the active and pain-free lifestyle you deserve at any age.

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Our Client Reviews

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 269 reviews

Jules F.

Surgery was a success my left knee is fully functional again. Langer and his staff was very helpful through this entire process they assigned me a top physical therapist Cara which was great at helping me to improve now just up to me to continue to condition myself back to the way I was physically before the injury and hopefully I never have to endure any future injuries that lead to surgery. Overall a great help and experience after surgery was completed. Thank You to Langer and his staff.

Dea'Mario F.

The Morrow location was a great experience for me. The staff was nothing less than perfect to me. I'm glad I chose this location.

Ricky J.

Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians are excellent in the work they do. They take their time with each patient and make sure you walk away with an understanding of exactly what you're going through. I have been a patient here twice and I could 100% assure you that you will have a great experience. Further the physicians are very knowledgeable and experienced at what they do. Moreover, the entire staff are welcoming and accommodating to your needs. I work in Entertainment, and have appeared several times on television (Google "David Wells and Ricky Johnson). I recommend and trust Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians.

Priscilla F.

The staff was great! They were patient, kind and courteous. The doctors were excellent! The doctors took the time to explain and patiently answer any questions I had.