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

Follow my ACI. Step #1 Oct 27, 2004 - - Posted by Connecticut_Jets (Connecticut_Jets), 25 October 2004

Confirmed. Biopsy and screw removal from tib plat fx on Wed. Oct. 27th, 2004. I am scared...just a little  =0)
Genzyme called me today assuring that my doctor is one of the first in the US to get trained and certified for this. He said he is ranked in top 10 on their list of docs in the US. Biopsy..thern 2-4 weeks and the big one. I have 1 piece: lateral femoral condyle - size of a dime coin. Medium size in their scale. Looks like my tib plat fx healed very well...It has only been 4 and a half months and the screws are ready to come out. I have been walking on my own last 2 weeks with no pain at all. I swim daily and ride 40 minutes on the stationary bike. All I pray for is the the ACI goes well and on abour 12 month I can start sports again. I am 28 years old, very active and work out 5 times a week. I hope the success rate is on my side. I am curious to hear from you what to expect after the surgery..and first few weeks and then months.  Cheers.    
Posted by Connecticut_Jets (Connecticut_Jets), 28 October 2004

Sorry folks. Just got back from hospital from screw removal and...great news ! The doc says ACI is not needed. Miracle? My body has started to rebuild own cartialge and it looks great so far. Screws are out, bone looks fantastic. I have never felt better in my life...I will stay in touch on the progress to back to sports etc...

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