AMIC

Microfracture is an established method to treat cartilage defects in the knee. It is a marrow stimulating technique that involves making tiny holes in the bone underlying the damaged cartilage. This causes bleeding which stimulates the healing cascade and causes a clot that contains growth factors and stem cells. The clot covers the cartilage defect and creates new cartilage. In the AMIC procedure, a collagen membrane is used to cover this biological superclot which helps retain healing factors and improved the quality of cartilage repair.

• Cartilage Regeneration: AMIC is designed to stimulate the regeneration of damaged or missing cartilage tissue. It combines microfracture, which creates tiny holes in the bone to promote healing, with the use of a collagen I/III bilayer. This combination helps in the formation of new cartilage, which can improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Treatment of Various Lesions: AMIC is versatile and can be used to address a range of cartilage defects, including both small and larger lesions. It is especially valuable for patients with cartilage defects involving the patellofemoral joint.
• Long-Term Benefits: AMIC has been shown to provide long-lasting results. The regenerated cartilage can endure for several years, allowing patients to enjoy improved joint function and reduced pain for an extended period.
• Preservation of Joint Health: By promoting the natural regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage, AMIC helps preserve the overall health of the joint. This can potentially delay or prevent the progression of arthritis in the treated area.
• Improved Quality of Life: Many patients experience an enhanced quality of life after AMIC. They often find relief from pain, increased joint mobility, and the ability to participate in physical activities they may have been limited in before the procedure.
• Less Invasive: Compared to some alternative surgical techniques, AMIC is considered minimally invasive. This may result in shorter recovery times and reduced post-operative discomfort for patients.

The AMIC procedure involves several key steps:

• Debridement: In the initial stage of the procedure, any damaged or unhealthy cartilage tissue is removed from the affected area. This is typically done to create a clean and stable environment for cartilage regeneration.
• Microfracture: After debridement, tiny holes or channels are created in the exposed bone underneath the damaged cartilage. These microfractures are made using specialized instruments and are essential for stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
• Covering the Superclot: A layer of tissue, a collagen I/III membrane, may be placed over the microfractured bed to further protect and enhance the healing process, as well as, to contain the superclot that arises from the microfracture channels that communicate with the bone marrow.
• Closure: The surgical site is closed, and the patient begins the post-operative rehabilitation process, which typically involves physical therapy and activity modification.

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a surgical technique used to promote the regeneration of damaged articular cartilage in joints, particularly the knee. It combines microfracture surgery with the use of a biodegradable matrix to enhance the quality of cartilage repair and improve joint function in patients with cartilage defects.