435 - Single Stage Cell-Based Cartilage Repair

Single Stage Cell-Based Cartilage Repair Paul Halfman, cst, csfa L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Learn about the RECLAIM technique s Review procedures to fix the defects of articular surface of the knee s Examine the instrumentation and equipment needed for the RECLAIM technique s Evaluate why this procedure would be ideal for certain patients s Explain the RECLAIM procedure and highlight the differences from a TJA T he treatment for younger patients hasn’t been as clear. For the past several decades there have been numerous attempts to repair cartilaginous defects caused by trauma with fair rates of success. Unfortunately, many of these therapies are labor intensive, expensive, and require a significant recovery period. For example, a treatment such as an osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS) is some- what cumbersome and time-consuming. It involves excising a plug of cartilage – with the aid of a coring device – approximately 1 cm in diam- eter, which has cortical and cancellous bone attached at the base from an area of the articular surface that is felt to be less weight bearing. A similar hole is created in the area of the articular cartilage defect and the graft plug is inserted. Although this step sounds simple, matching the hole perfectly to receive the plug, not just in diameter but also depth Defects to the articular surface of the knee in older patients often are repaired by a total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This involves the resection of the articular surfaces and the implantation of prosthe- ses. Typically, TJA is reserved for patients with severe osteoarthri- tis in which their mobility and quality of life is affected by the dis- ease. Even though TJA has evolved greatly over the past decades, it is still a significantly invasive procedure and surgeons are hesitant to prescribe this type of therapy to younger patients who have suffered traumatic cartilaginous injuries resulting in a more focal defect. MARCH 2020 | The Surgical Technologist | 109