Cartilage regeneration

[femur]

there is a doctor in chiacgo by the name of brian cole. he is called the "cartlige doctor" i know this because i am having the same problem you are and we are finally doing surgery in jan, but only after speaking with this doctor.. i will try and get him web address later today. i have been on his site and if you e-mail him, he will e-mail you back. he is a very good doctor expecially in these cases. i love no where near there, im in california, but my doctor said he is one of the best.
good luck

[blackbeltgirl]

Jack -

Have you decided to have the surgery, or will you be trying the HGH?  I live in the US, and I considered visitng Dr. Dunn.  But even his own research shows that the cartilage doesn't actually grow back.  If I could have shots instead of surgery to replace my cartilage I'd be first in line.  Sometimes we need to find a balance, and consider age, activity level, and what you want to be able to do.  I'm only 31, and was told if the bones deteriorate too much, I'll have no choice but a TKR.  And my OS was talking maybe another year of damage would put me past that point.  Not worth trying the shots, since, if they don't work I'll be 32 or 33 and in need of a TKR.  I've scheduled ACI (which I know they ARE doing in AUstralia, as others on this board have had it).  They grow your own cartilage cells in a lab and stick them back in your knee.  YOu may want to check out the ACI board (under arthritis) to find the other aussies who've had it, and research this option.

Good luck-
Jess