AANA Industry Learning Vault-Vericel Presents Work of ARThroscopy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, moderated by orthopedic sports surgeon Dr. Michael Kuhn, reviews MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on a porcine collagen membrane) and focuses on “MACI Arthro,” an arthroscopic implantation technique. The panel includes Drs. Brian Gottschall and Ilan Golan and physical therapist Monica Sheridan. They cover indications (symptomatic full-thickness knee cartilage defects in adults, typically 18–55) and key contraindications (hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides/porcine-bovine products, severe OA/inflammatory arthritis, infection, uncorrected instability/meniscal deficiency/malalignment).<br /><br />Speakers emphasize MACI is a two-stage procedure (biopsy then implantation). They cite evidence that delaying implantation can allow lesions to enlarge and new high-grade defects to develop, supporting timely progression to stage two. Success depends on the whole knee environment—meniscus, ligament stability, and alignment; osteotomies may be needed to unload compartments.<br /><br />For MACI Arthro, the main themes are access and visualization: use as many portals as needed, aim instruments perpendicular to the defect, and don’t hesitate to convert to a mini-arthrotomy if access is inadequate. Tips include careful defect preparation to stable borders, slightly “over-resect” rather than undersize, manage soft-tissue impingement with traction sutures, perform a dry run of the delivery shuttle, and deploy the implant slightly high to let it settle.<br /><br />Rehabilitation is outlined in phases emphasizing adherence, gradual weight-bearing/load progression, symptom monitoring, and individualized criteria-based advancement.<br /><br />Two cases demonstrate staging arthroscopy to refine planning, MACI Arthro for condylar lesions, and complex multi-lesion repair combined with high tibial osteotomy. Panelists highlight faster quad recovery, less stiffness, and patient appeal compared with open techniques.

Asset Caption

Originally recorded on:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Michael Kuhn, M.D. | Brian Godshaw, M.D. | Elan Golan, M.D. | Monica Sheridan, MSPT

Keywords

MACI

MACI Arthro

autologous cultured chondrocytes

arthroscopic cartilage implantation

knee full-thickness cartilage defects

two-stage cartilage repair

porcine collagen membrane

defect preparation and portal access

high tibial osteotomy unloading

criteria-based rehabilitation protocol