AUTOLOGOUS TENOCYTE IMPLANTATION

Most injuries occur near the joints such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. Partial tears are often the result of gradual wear although physical activities are more likely to lead to an injury. Tears heal through production of collagen but the process can be slow.

Autologous Tenocyte Implantation (ATI) is a new tissue engineering technique that represents a major step towards the regeneration of damaged or injured tendons.

ATI procedure details

ATI is a biopsy procedure where a small piece of tendon from a healthy region is harvested. The tissue is then taken to the specially designed laboratories at Orthocell, a bio-therapeutic company that specialises in soft tissue injuries. Tenocyte cells are isolated and grown over an extended period of 4 to 5 weeks.

The cells are implanted into the affected area via injection using ultrasound guidance for high precision.

Post procedure

Patients who undergo this procedure are advised to rest the affected area for at least 48 hours and avoid strenuous activities that could hinder the healing process. The patient can slowly return to and gradually increase the intensity of daily activities in the following weeks.

Patients are able to commence driving approximately 1 to 2 days after the procedure.

ATI is highly effective as it does not simply treat the symptoms but focuses on regenerating the cause. Patients can typically expect to see improvements from the 3 week period. Conclusions can be drawn around the 6 month mark to assess the effective of the procedure.

ATI results

This procedure is backed by documented scientific teasing and has already proven successful in treating common tendinopathy for patients who undergo it. ATI takes a completely different approach to repairing injured tendons with a growing body of evidence to support its use.

Contact us today for additional information on Autologous Tenocyte Implantation.