Cartilage Repair - Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (3D Matrix)

What is CaReS®?

• The autologous cartilage transplant CaReS®- Cartilage Repair System is a 3D mechanically stable transplant based on patient specific autologous cartilage cells and a unique collagen matrix.

CaReS Cartilage Repair

• This treatment requires 2 staged surgeries to the knee joint.
• 1st surgery involves an arthroscopic examination of the knee with harvesting of the patient’s knee joint cartilage – equivalent to 3 grains of rice.
• The cartilage biopsy is sent off to a laboratory overseas and seeded into a platform which becomes ready for use within 11 to 15 days.
• 2nd surgery involves implantation of the new grown cartilage into the patient’s knee cartilage defect.

Grow New Cartilage

• The cartilage implant can be manufactured in various thicknesses and sizes to meet the individual patient and defect requirements.
• The implant has a solid form and is bio-mechanically stable which simplifies implantation, allows for minimally invasive surgical application and promises early weight bearing and reduced rehabilitation time.
• The results of a comparison study (2002-2004) between conventional ACT procedures and CaReS®, show that this transplant indeed promises significant reduction in OR time and significantly shorter rehabilitation.

Summary

• A technique to restore cartilage in the knee joint.
• Usually for patients between 20 to 50 years old.
• Resolves pain and swelling in the knee.
• Patient can walk between 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
• Estimated costs of treatment SGD 28,000 (inclusive of cells which cost SGD 16000).

Please note that the information contained herein is for general medical information only.
If you have any specific medical condition or queries, please consult your medical doctor.

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