:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/hxv2WSJ4H38qGrp7BY6BuYMYkHxE94An.jpg)
How ACI and MACI differ for cartilage repairMACI pre-seeds cultured chondrocytes onto a collagen membrane fixed with fibrin glue, eliminating the sutures required in earlier ACI variants. The technique enables arthroscopic implantation and supports faster recovery than open surgical approaches.MACI pre-seeds cultured chondrocytes onto a collagen membrane fixed with fibrin glue, eliminating the sutures required in earlier ACI variants. The technique enables arthroscopic implantation and supports faster recovery than open surgical approaches.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/TPBilp8Z3AxGMrZFqsb3JUgxG9lf5c6R.jpg)
When is it too late for cartilage repair?Once cartilage loss becomes generalised and surfaces contact bone, no restoration procedure works; repair is viable only for focal defects.Once cartilage loss becomes generalised and surfaces contact bone, no restoration procedure works; repair is viable only for focal defects.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/Pnxd3GmAoqDdpILnLTGgWOfeUfbRItl0.jpg)
AMIC versus MACI for focal cartilage repairAMIC repairs focal cartilage defects in one operation: drilling channels into damaged cartilage releases a blood clot rich in stem cells, which a collagen membrane then stabilises and concentrates to guide tissue repair. A 2025 trial found it equivalent to MACI at two years.AMIC repairs focal cartilage defects in one operation: drilling channels into damaged cartilage releases a blood clot rich in stem cells, which a collagen membrane then stabilises and concentrates to guide tissue repair. A 2025 trial found it equivalent to MACI at two years.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/UWrWkJIVPoiVBgmwZfPy5VAvEXXUkRUQ.jpg)
Choosing ACI, MACI or single‑stage cell surgeryACI and MACI are two-stage repairs for localised full-thickness cartilage defects, while single-stage techniques place cells or cell-rich material into the defect in one operation. MACI has the strongest long-term follow-up, but single-stage methods still rest mainly on smaller, less comparable series.ACI and MACI are two-stage repairs for localised full-thickness cartilage defects, while single-stage techniques place cells or cell-rich material into the defect in one operation. MACI has the strongest long-term follow-up, but single-stage methods still rest mainly on smaller, less comparable series.
