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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Autologous cultured chondrocytes (aw-TOL-a-gus KUL-tured KON-droe-sites) are used, as part of an overall program that includes knee surgery and special exercises, to help repair damaged knee cartilage. Cartilage is a type of tissue that joins together and helps support parts of the body. Autologous cultured chondrocytes are the patient's own cartilage cells. The cells are removed from the patient and sent to a laboratory, where they are processed to increase their number. The cells are then implanted (placed) in the damaged part of the knee. After implantation, the chondrocytes help form new, healthy cartilage.
In deciding to use a product or procedure, the risks must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For autologous cultured chondrocyte implantation, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), an antibiotic used to treat certain infections. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to beef or other products obtained from cows.
Pregnancy--Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. It is not likely that the implanted chondrocytes would affect the fetus. However, you should discuss with your doctor whether you should be having this procedure, and having to use crutches for several weeks afterward, while you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding--It is not likely that the transplanted chondrocytes would affect a nursing baby. However, whether you should be having the procedure at this time, when you are busy caring for an infant, should be discussed with your doctor.
Children--Implantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes has been done only in adults, and there is no information about the effects of this procedure in children.
Older adults--Implantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes has not been studied specifically in older people. There is no information comparing use of this procedure in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect whether you should receive implantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Dosing--The
amount of autologous cultured chondrocytes needed to repair damaged knee cartilage
will be different for different patients. It will depend on the size of the
damaged area. Most patients will receive between 0.64 million and 3.3 million
cells for each square centimeter of damaged area. (A square centimeter covers
an area slightly longer than 3/8 of an inch on each side.) Use crutches to help you walk
for the first 6 or 7 weeks after receiving the implant
. Walk as normally
as possible with the crutches. However, place no more than 25% of your weight
on the leg that received the implant. Let the crutches and your other leg
hold the rest of your weight. After the first 3 weeks, or when directed by
your doctor, you may gradually increase the amount of weight placed on the
knee. Check with your doctor right
away
if sharp pain occurs in the knee that received the implant, or
if “locking” of the knee occurs. After the implant surgery, your doctor will direct you to start a rehabilitation
program that includes exercise. This program is a very important part of your
treatment. You will be instructed to start out slowly and to increase gradually
the number of times that you do each exercise. To get the most help from this
program,
it is very important that you follow the instructions
as closely as possible. Do not do different exercises, and do not increase
the number of times you do each exercise faster than directed
. If pain
or swelling occurs when you increase the amount of exercise you are doing,
go back to the last level of exercise until the pain and swelling are gone,
then try again. Use ice packs to help reduce the swelling. Along with its needed
effects, the implant or the surgical procedure during which the cells are
implanted may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side
effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check
with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects
occur soon after the implantation procedure: Less common Bruising (severe); signs of an infection, such as heat, redness, swelling, and/or oozing at the
place of surgery Rare Fever and pain (occurring together)
Precautions After Receiving The Implant
Side Effects of The Implant
Other side effects may not occur until weeks, months, or even years after the implantation. Check with your doctor if any of the following delayed side effects occur:
More common
“Crackling” sound or pain when moving the knee; stiffness or “catching” of the knee
Less common or rare
Inability to bend the knee; swelling of the knee
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 08/14/98
Interim revision: 09/24/98
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