KNEE ARTHRITIS - Autologous chondrocyte implantation (A.C.I.) :

ACI - - Posted by SnowRainbow (SnowRainbow), 11 February 2004

I went thru ACI in Jan 04.  Still on crutches  
Posted by Val_M (Val_M), 12 February 2004

Where was the articular cartilage that was damaged (and now fixed)?  Where did you have the procedure done?  I assume you are NWB for 3 months or so, is that right?

Hope all is going well...

Posted by Rich_UK (Rich_UK), 15 March 2004

Really looking for help from anyone in the UK. I am in need of ACI having had arthrscopy in December but Norwich Union private Healthcare won't cover it.any suggestions.......

Has anyone had this operation on the NHS in the Uk

Rich  
Posted by Stan_Greenwood (Stan Greenwood), 17 March 2004

I am on the waiting list in Basingstoke, probably having it done in the summer.

Stan.
Posted by cray (cray), 23 March 2004

I know how you feel. I had my ACI done the end of November and am still on one crutch. I'm trying to walk without any at all. Every time I do for any period of time I get alot of pain and swelling.
While trying to use one leg for all this time I've managed to tear the medial menicus in my other knee.
Maybe I was too big for this procedure 6' 2" 325 lbs.
Does anyone know if the OS can tell how the graft is doing without MRI or scope?
Any questions for me just fire away!
Posted by cat123 (cat123), 25 March 2004

hi rich

       im waiting for the surgeon to get the go ahead for my op in Glasgow, im sure i will be first to have this op done here, it is on the nhs.



                         cat
Posted by Rich_UK (Rich_UK), 25 March 2004

Have given up fighting my case with Norwich Union, despite trying all angles, even justifying that the NHS do cover the procedure  and trying to say that all the private medical is doinfg is jumping the waiting list. still has not worked so I go  and have the Mosaicplasty in appril which Norwich Union do  cover.....

point to consider my OS has always maintained that I should also have an osteotomy to make sure my leg is 100% straight and therefore the knee/joint is evenly load bearing  accros the whole knee. apparently very few people have totally straight legs.........i'd like to think I am not abnormal

Justt hought I mention it as it has not really come up in any dialoge I have seen in conjunction with ACI etc.

Rich      
Posted by richie (richie), 30 March 2004

Hi Rich UK

I had my ACI done under the NHS in November last year. I was part of a trial where they are testing the efficacy of such a treatment on the NHS. They are still running trials for the National Institute of clinical excellence so it may be worth having a look on their website for places that would help you.

cheers richie
Posted by HelenaM (HelenaM), 31 March 2004

Rich, did you get the procedure codes from your OS and throw them at Norwich Union, I've had both knees ACI done thru BUPA without any probs maybe you should find out why NU arent keeping up to date with treatment options like BUPA are?!!!  You might like to look at the research done by Stanmore on MP vs ACI, and ACI can only be considered after any mal-alignment problems have been resolved though the osteotomy does seem extreme if yours isnt that bad?  Have you ever sought a 2nd opinion?  Best of luck H

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