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MACI Stem Cell Therapy

FDAApproved Regenerative Treatment at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

When persistent knee pain—due to cartilage damage—limits your daily life, surgery isn’t always the only path. MACI® (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) offers a scientifically rooted, FDAapproved option that uses your own cells to repair cartilage defects. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based education so you can decide if MACI is right for you.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

What Is MACI Therapy?

MACI involves harvesting a tiny sample of your healthy cartilage, culturing your own cartilage cells (chondrocytes) in a certified lab, and applying them to a biodegradable collagen membrane for implantation at the cartilage defect site in your knee

  • Autologous: Uses your own cells—no rejection risk
  • Standardized: Precise cell loading ensures uniform treatmen
  • FDA-approved: The first and only cellularized scaffold therapy for knee cartilage via BLA

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Why MACI Focuses on the Knee

MACI is specifically indicated for symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee, whether with or without minor bone involvement. It’s ideal for isolated cartilage lesions, especially in younger, active adults (typically 18–55 years old) . U.S. Food and Drug Administration → FDA Guidance on MACI.

Dr. Burke offers MACI to patients:

  • Whose cartilage injury hasn’t responded to conservative care
  • Who are seeking to preserve knee cartilage and function
  • Wanting to delay or avoid knee replacement

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Evidence & Clinical Outcomes

Clinical studies demonstrate MACI’s effectiveness over standard microfracture methods:

  • In the SUMMIT trial, ~85% of MACI patients experienced sustained pain relief and improved knee function at 2 and 5 years. They also reported significantly better KOOS scores compared to microfracture. MACI → MACI Clinical Trial Results.
  • MACI-treated defects showed durable integration and cartilage filling in the long term .

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

The MACI Treatment Journey at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Step 1: Diagnostic Evaluation

    A comprehensive consultation reviews your history, knee pain, and imaging to confirm if MACI is a suitable option.

  • Step 2: Biopsy Procedure

    Under minimally invasive technique, Dr. Burke collects a small piece of healthy cartilage arthroscopically—typically from a non-weight-bearing area.

  • Step 3: Lab Culturing

    Your chondrocytes are cultured in an FDA-licensed facility, seeded on a collagen scaffold, and prepared per strict GMP protocols.

  • Step 4: Implantation Surgery

    Using arthroscopy or mini-arthrotomy, Dr. Burke implants the MACI membrane into the defect site. This is outpatient surgery with a structured rehab plan.

  • Step 5: Rehabilitation

    Post-op care includes weight-bearing restrictions and progressive physical therapy over 3–12 months, tailored to your recovery pace.

Who Is a Good MACI Candidate?

Best suited for patients with:

  • Isolated, medium-sized cartilage defects (approx. 1½–4 cm²)
  • Age typically between 18–55 years
  • Failure of nonsurgical treatments like PT or injections
  • Desire to maintain an active lifestyle without knee replacement

MACI is not typically used for advanced arthritis or large joint degeneration.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Free Guide: “Is MACI Right for Your Knee?”

What’s inside:

  • Step-by-step process breakdown
  • Clinical data highlights
  • Comparison with microfracture, cortisone, and surgical alternatives
  • Rehabilitation roadmap
  • Key questions for informed decisions

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved
Download the MACI Guide

About Dr. Robert Burke

Dr. Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of expertise in joint preservation.

He ensures that:

  • You receive evidence-based guidance
  • Procedures follow FDA and clinical best practices
  • You get a comprehensive treatment plan, including rehab and follow-up

“We blend advanced treatment with clear, unscripted education—your goals lead the way.” – Dr. Burke

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Patient Feedback

“MACI replaced what seemed like an inevitable knee replacement. Two years out, I have cartilage in place and functionable pain relief.” – Jordan P., Houston

“The lab processing part made sense when explained. Seeing my own cartilage cells grown and implanted gave me peace of mind.” – Alicia M., Pearland

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Expected Outcomes

  • High responder rates: ~85% show lasting functional improvement
  • Pain and function gains appear by Year 2, maintained at Year 5
  • Optimal when combined with personalized rehab
  • No general anesthesia; stitches dissolve; no graft rejection

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

MACI Features at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • FDA-approved, first-of-its-kind cartilage scaffold method.
  • In-office biopsy and arthroscopic implantation
  • Lab-grown, personalized implants—no donor tissue
  • Evidence-based outcomes with structured rehab support

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Other Regenerative Technologies

While MACI focuses on cartilage regeneration in the knee, our clinic also stays informed on emerging biotech in cellular therapies and biocompatible implants.

Your care plan will always be individualized—not based on the latest trend, but on what suits your joint and lifestyle.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Next Steps

  • Confirm if MACI is applicable to your knee diagnosis
  • Understand benefits, risks, timeline, and cost
  • Compare MACI with other options calmly and clearly

Our goal is to empower your decision—whether MACI, PRP, or standard orthopedic care.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Free Resources & Research

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Ready to Learn More?

Let’s discuss whether MACI can restore your knee function—with clarity and care.
(832) 699-6771
Same day consult

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long is the full process?
    About 8–12 weeks between biopsy and implant procedure, plus 3–12 months rehab .
  • Is there risk of rejection?
    No—MACI uses your own cells on a porcine scaffold with negligible rejection risk.
  • Are results permanent?
    Data shows benefits lasting at least 5 years; long-term monitoring is ongoing .
  • Does insurance cover MACI?
    Coverage varies; lab costs are often separate. We assist with insurance navigation.
"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."